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THE 

PHANTOM FORM: 

Experiences in Earth and Spirit Life. 

A TRUE LIFE HISTORY, 

COMMUNICATED 

IBY .A. SPIEIT 

THROUGH THE TRANCE MEDIUMSHIP 

OF 

MRS. NETTIE PEASE FOX. 

MEIHUMISTIC AUTHOR OF "THE GOLDEN KEY, OR MYSTERIES BEYOND THE VEIL.'' "A 
SEARCH FOR THE TEMPLE OF HAPPINESS." ETC., ETC. 



"In the .same hour came forth fingers of a man's hand and wrote over against the 
candlestick upon the plaster cf the wall of the king's palace : and the king saw the 
part of the hand that wrote." — Daniel v : 5. 

"To a mind not influenced by popular prejudice, it will he scarcely possible to be- 
lieve that apparations would have been vouched for in all countries had they never 
been seen in any." — R ev. Geo. Strahan, D. D. 

••Facts like these, with which the world is filled, embarass strong minds more 
than thev are willing to acknowledge." — Bavlie. 



PUBLISHED BY 1). M. FOX. 

NEWTON, IOWA. 

1 88l. 



<i 






2-L zvn 

TO MY 
BELOVED HUSBAND, 



TO WHOSE BRAVE AND HELPFUL SPIRIT, I AM INDEBT- 
ED FOR ENCOURAGEMENT AND AID IN PLACING THIS, AND OTHER 
WORKS BEFORE THE PUBLIC, THIS BOOK IS AFFECTION- 
ATELY AND RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED 
BY THE AUTHOR. 




GOI^TTEIsrTS. 



:pj^:r,t piest. 



EXPERIENCES IN EARTH LIFE, 

CHAPTER I. 

PAGE 

My Parents — Their Cold, Unloving Life — First Clairvoyant 
Experience — Consequent Unhappiness — My Mother a 
Clairvoyant — The Spectre — My Father's Dislike For 
Me — SisterEunice — Deaths Foretold " 9 

CHAPTER II. 
Is there Another Life? — Questions — My Mother's Death- 
Deathbed Visions and Revelations — Light from the Be- 
yond " 15 

CHAPTER III. 

Sacred to Obligations — Youthful Aspirations Blighted — *Dis- 
belief and Dislike of Religion — Sore Trials — Angel Min- 
istration — Cruel Separation "20 

CHAPTER IV. 
Spirit Presence of one yet living in Earthly Form — A Spirit 
from the Other Life — Sorrowful Prediction — Astonish- 
ing Revelation — Disappointment "23 

CHAPTER V. 
Prophecy Fulfilled — Houseless, Homeless, Friendless — Heart 
Revelations — Betrothal — Mysterious Appearance — A 
Great Surprise "33 

CHAPTER VI. 
Eunice's sad Experiences — A Father's false Representation 
Corrected by the Spirit Mother — One of Earth's Dark 



[V CONTENTS. 



Places — Inez, the Unfortunate — Eunice Saved from a 
Horrible Fate by Spirit Warning — The Escape . " 38 

CHAPTER VII. 
The Cross of Jewels and Thorns — Its Significance — It is 
Grand to Suffer, that Others may be Lifted up — Fore- 
boding — Love, as interpreted from the Higher Spheres . _ "46 

CHAPTER VIII. 
Sunshine of Happiness — Eunice Strange Proposition — What 
does it mean — The Secret Revealed — The Terrible Or- 
deal — Marriage " 53 

CHAPTER IX. 
Can Love be won — The Gulf Widens — Eunice — A Circle of 
Spirits — Life Saved by Spirit Power — The Law of Love 
— Alone in the World "60 

CHAPTER X. 
The Letters — Man, the Result of Unseen Forces — An Aim- 
less Life — Death Foretold — Spirit Advice Rejected — 
The Result — My sudden Departure from Earth "69 

Poem: there rs no death "77 

:f>^:r,t secoistd. 
experiences in spirit life. 

CHAPTER I. page 

My first Awakening — Dead! Am I Dead? — What I Saw 
and Heard— My Mother the first to meet me — Power 
of Earthly Love — Mother, where am I? — Arbor of 
Repose — Deeply Interesting Questions Answered — A 
Journey — Traveling in Spirit Life — Undeveloped Spir- 
its Controlled — Do Spirits get Weary — Spirit Always 



CONTENTS. 



Connected with Matter — Gonzalo, the Spirit Teacher 

— A Grove Meeting in Spirit Life — Gonzalo's Oration. " 79 

CHAPTER II. • 
Mansions in Spirit Land — Luscious Fruit, as Real as in 
Earth Life — A Resort, and its use — Is the Distinction 

of Sex Lost in Spirit Life? " 93 

CHAPTER III. 
Return to Earth — My Spirit Guide — A Magnetic River 
and Crystal Ocean — How Material Objects are seen 
by Spirits — Searching for Earth Friends " 99 

CHAPTER IV. 
My Experiences as a Spirit with Mortals in Earth Life — 
L T nhappiness — Spirits attend an Earthly Marriage Cer- 
emony — A Spirit long in the Atmosphere of Earth — 
The Loss — Who is my Spirit Guide — A Discovery. . " 106 

CHAPTER V. 
Weary of Life — Return to the Summer Land — Religious 
Zealots in Spirit Life — They still Worship a Personal 
God — Mansion of Artistic Beauty — A Home for the 
Loveless — A Mother Relates her sad Earth Experience 
— Marriage by Human Law, not always a True Mar- 
riage — A Curse to Children — A Congress of Spirits — 
Important Subjects Considered " in 

CHAPTER VI. 
My Mother's Experience in Spirit Life — Woman's Condition 
in Earth Life — Martyrs in Marriage — Without Reci- 
procal Love Marriage not Conjugal — The True Mar- 
riage Eternal. Through it will come Human Redemp- 
tion — Marriage in Spirit Life " 119 



VI CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER VII. 

Library in the Spirit World — A Paper Published — The 
first Book read — Treatise upon the Existence of God 
— A Christian searching for Jesus — A Temple of Sci- 
ence — Self Abnegation — Aiding Others gives Power 
to Rise — Emily meets her Unhappy Father in Spirit 

Life " 127 

CHAPTER VIII. 

A new Life — Universities, Education — Reform in Spirit 

Life — Societies and Classes — Mythological Errors 

Sometimes Long Adhered to — Meeting of Husband 

and Wife, whose Earthly Marriage had been Unfortu- 
nate . - " 1 34 

CHAPTER IX. 

Advancement by Administering to the Needs of Others — 
A Park in Summerland — Meeting an Intimate Friend 
of Earth Life — Interesting Topics Discussed — Thalia's 
Home — The Iron Cross and Crown of Thorns Ex- 
changed for a Jeweled Diadem — Beautiful Scenes, and 
Impressive Ceremony in Spirit Life — Silver Star — Eu- 
nice and her Husband's Apotheosis " 142 

CHAPTER X. 

Strange Meeting — A Family Reunion in the Summer Land 
— Ceremony Related in last Chapter Explained — Con- 
dition of a Class of Despised Women — Obstacles to 
their Restoration to Virtuous Life — Silver Star, the 
Phantom Form, opens the Book of her Life " 152 

CHAPTER XI. 

Gonzalo's Revelation — A grand Tour to Another Sphere — 
Wonderful Experiences — A Realm of Beauty — Mar- 
riage — The Great Work in which I am Engaged — 
Employments in the Spirit World " 



PREFATORY. 

Many years have elapsed since the truth of Modern Spiritual- 
ism, first took possession of my mind. No conflict of theory, or 
aim, has been possible to me since that time, nor have I ever un- 
dervalued the importance of mediumship, forgotton its responsi- 
bilities, or questioned the moral magnificence of its destiny. 

Notwithstanding my long and varied experience as a Medium, 
its sublime mysteries still remain unsolved. Marvelous, indeed, 
is the power of that fine, spiritual aura ; its waves of billowy 
music, surging through the purified channels of the brain, pro- 
ducing a calmness indiscribable, a sweet restfulness, which soon 
ends in the death-like trance. 

In such a condition the revelations of this book were given, 
and written at the time, by an amanuensis, exactly as spoken. 

The spirit author, claims it to be a true life history. I have 
no means of testing its veracity. But, I do not question the 
candid and confiding statements of friends here, unless they have 
proved themselves unworthy of confidence ; neither, can I look 
with suspicion upon one whose pure and noble face bears the 
stamp of truth, and honor. 

While under the magnetic control of this intelligence, my 
clairvoyant powers were greatly augmented. Localities were as 
plainly seen, and could be as readily identified, as can the various 



VIII PREFATORY. 



cities I have visited on earth. Several of the characters, promi- 
nently referred to in the narative, were seen so frequently, that 
they seemed more like dear friends than strangers from another 
world. 

I give this book to the world as it was given to me, believing 
it will awaken in the minds of many a desire to investigate the 
claims of Modern Spiritualism. 

Surely, there is no other revelation that embodies such far- 
reaching and beneficently promised results. If the reading of 
this book, shall make one life happier, or, for one moment part 
the fleecy curtain that veils some dear ones face, I shall have 

been rewarded. 

N. P. F. 



THE 



PHANTOM FORM 

EXPERIENCES IN EARTH AND SPIRIT LIFE. 



dp.^:r,t fiest. 



CHAPTER I. 



My Parents — Their Cold, Unloving Life — First Clairvoyant Experience — Consequent 
Unhappiness — My Mother a Clairvoyant — The Spectre — My Father's Dislike 
For Me — Sister Eunice — Deaths Foretold. 

"Why is life given 
To be thus wrested from us ? rather why 
Obtruded on us thus ? Who, if he knew 
What we receive, would either not accept 
Life offered, or soon beg to lay it down, 
Glad to be dismissed in peace ?" 

: '. < *y 9 TAKE up the thread of my earthly existence, and again 

■ gXij pass over the changing scenes that marked my life journey 

here. I do this that the reader may more readily understand 

the facts which I shall have to present, which bear upon the 

higher life. I lived upon the earth many years and have been in 

spirit life so long, that the facts I am about to relate, seem more like 

pictures from the land of dreams, than the stern realities that 

shaped my earth life, and marked out the destiny of the spirit 



IO THE PHANTOM FORM. 



My name was Emma Blackburn. I was the eldest of a large 
family of children. My father was a stern, relentless man ; rigid 
in the performance of what he styled his duty, the master of the 
house, the authority before whom we had to bow, a church member 
in good standing. Thus, externally a religious devotee, but closely 
viewed only illustrative of: 

"What a reasonless machine 
Can superstition make the reas'ner man." 

My mother was a gentle, quiet christian woman, whose love 
for her husband had been transformed to duty, whose deep, affec- 
tionate nature flowed out in idolatrous love for her children and 
her religion. As my father possessed but little of this world's 
goods, industry and economy were constantly necessary to keep 
the family above want. The one great need of our house was 
harmony. I cannot remember the time when my father spoke 
kindly or tenderly to our mother or one of the children. An event 
occurred when I was fifteen years of age, which rendered our lives 
more gloomy and intolerable than before. 

I was sitting with my mother, the little ones around us, waiting 
for the return of him who always brought a shadow to the house ; 
when by the dim light of the lamp, I saw the shadowy form of a 
woman clad in white. She approached my mother, placed her 
hand upon her head, and in a voice that thrilled my entire being, 
said: "I have come to release you." My blood seemed to freeze 
in my veins, and with a cry of terror I threw myself into my 
mother's arms. At that moment my father entered and demand- 
ed an explanation of the scene. His angry voice and threatening 
words added to my terror, and it was long before I could suffi- 
ciently control myself to explain the cause of my agitation. At 
last I told him all. My mother sank back, white and motionless. 



EXPERIENCES IN EARTH LIFE. 



My father sprang from his chair in a paroxysm of rage, and 
uttering a volley of oaths, said: "The demon that has tracked me 
through life appears again. I command you never to look at it, 
speak of it, or think of it again ; if you disobey, you shall be driven 
forth and never be permitted to enter this house again." He was 
restless and nervous through the evening, frequently going to the 
window, looking out into the darkness, then glaring upon me with 
a mingled look of fear and hate. I was glad when I could creep 
to the solitude of my room and there sob myself to sleep. 

The next day when mother and I were alone, she told me that 
this spectre had often appeared to her. Its appearance had first 
soured my father. When she mentioned the subject to him, his 
whole nature seemed to be transformed, and from that day to the 
night of its appearance to me, she had never dared to speak of it, 
although it had frequently appeared, and upon one occasion, made 
some startling revelations which she declined to reveal to me. 
She begged me to think no more about it. I need not tell you, 
how useless was such a request. I longed to know what the 
spectre was, and how it was connected with my father's life ; but 
as I dare not speak of it again, I had only my own thoughts to 
commune with. My father watched me suspiciously, and I anx- 
iously waited for the return of the spectre that I longed for, yet 
dreaded to see. 

My father's evident dislike for me was increasing day by day. 
At last I began to have an undefinable dread of some fearful event ; 
but what hurt and grieved me the most deeply, was the sadness 
and silence of my mother. The family seemed to be withdrawing 
from me, and T had no power to approach or draw them to me, 
and I felt that soon I must stand alone. The Phantom Form 
stood between me and all I loved. Had I ac that time suspected 



12 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



the nature of the secret, I should have not been anxious for the 
revelation. 

My sister, Eunice, was always true and changeless in her Jove. 
Father's frowns and mother's silence failed to intimidate her. She 
was three years younger than I, and the embodiment of beauty 
and affection. Her large blue eyes and bright golden curls, were 
in strong contrast to the black eyes' and dark locks of the other 
children. Nature seemed to have robbed all of us, to lavish its 
gifts upon her. In disposition there was as marked a difference 
as in external appearance. My brothers and sisters were all vig- 
orous, active and energetic, with hasty, and seemingly ungovern- 
able will. Eunice was gentle, mild and yielding, strong in her 
attachments, and fearless in expression ; totally unlike my father, 
yet his favorite ; although at times he seemed to have an unac- 
countable aversion to her. 

One evening when we sat conversing, my father engaged with 
his paper, I was suddenly struck with the angelic beauty of my 
sister, and said to her, "You are so unlike the rest of us, so fair, 
so tender, so beautiful, I shall call you Lilly." My father dropped 
his paper, and glaring upon me with his wild eyes, said: ''Never 
again give expression to such thought; never call Eunice by any 
other than her right name." Then taking his hat he strode from 
the room, leaving us in a state of bewilderment. I looked to my 
mother for an explanation, but she only answered by a shake of 
the head, and seemed to draw away from Eunice. Two weeks 
from that evening, my little brother, Robert, the youngest of the 
family, was taken suddenly ill, in two days his sufferings were 
brought to an end. My mother attended him with the greatest 
care, but at no time expressed a wish that he might recover, or a 
fear that he would die. When he was gone, she knelt by his little 



EXPERIENCES IN EARTH LIFE. I 3 

bed, and in a calm, quiet manner, thanked God for carrying her 
darling home. I was surprised at her calmness, which I did 
not understand until we had returned from the funeral. Then 
taking me to her room she threw her arms around me and kissed 
me as she had when I was a child. Taking my face between her 
hands, looking into my eyes with along, searching gaze, she said : 
''My daughter, you have been the idol of my heart, others I have 
loved ; you I have worshiped. You have been the hope and 
comfort of my weary life. Do you love me with all the fullness 
of your nature?" 

Deeply affected, I answered in the affirmative, and she continued : 
"Do not weep; be calm; I have something of importance to 
say to you ; but first let me say that I am very thankful that God 
has taken our little Robbie away. He will not be left to struggle 
on alone and perhaps sink in the dark path of sin, which only a 
mother's love could shield him from. Robbie was an unwelcome 
child. Your father has never manifested the least interest in him. 
God knew what was best ; he is gone and I shall soon follow. 
Nay, do not interrupt me ; I must talk to you now, for I may not 
have another opportunity. You understand something of your 
father's nature, but of the power he exerts over me, the wonderful 
influence of his anger upon me, of the thraldom in which I have 
been held for years ; of the bitterness of the cup of which I have 
been compelled to drink, of the hypocritical life I have been com- 
pelled to lead; of my fear of him, and of his influence in my con- 
duct towards you for the past few weeks, you know little ; and I 
would that I could shield you from a knowledge of the facts that 
will darken your future life. Let the dark revelation rest in the 
future, it shall not pass my lips to add to the unhappiness that 
has already shaded your life. Rut there is one thing you must 



14 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



know. You remember the Phantom Form that appeared to you. 
It came to me the night that you called Eunice the Lilly. It told 
me that we should lose our little boy, and that soon after his 
death it would conduct my freed spirit into a better world than this. 
Do not weep ; do not interrupt me. I know that this revelation 
is a truthful one. I have had many conversations with the Phan- 
tom, whose real name is Lilian. The nature of these revelations 
you will understand when you are older and better able to bear 
them than now. My child, I am going to leave you ; to leave 
you alone in a cold, selfish, heartless world. There will be many 
snares for your young feet ; be prudent and prayful and God will 
protect you*. But I want you to make me one promise. Place 
your hand on this bible and swear that whatever your trials and 
temptations may be ; whatever the inducements for your ease, 
profit, or pleasure, you will never leave, neglect, or desert the little 
ones I entrust to your care." 

"Do you promise?" 

I do, I answered with a voice husky with emotion. 

" Remember your father's dislike for you ; think of the suffer- 
ings you must endure, and tell me, are you strong enough ?" 

I am strong enough to do anything that you desire; but oh ! 
dear mother, do not leave us. 

"My child, I thank you ; you have removed a great load from 
my heart ; but lest you should think I had forgotten your interest, 
and doomed you to a life of misery, I will tell you that Lilian has 
assured me that I should return to earth again, and watch over 
you and in time, break the chain whose links will seem to canker 
your tender flesh. Remember my words ! You do not understand 
their full import now, but in coming years they will be a start 
for you to lean upon. I hear your father's step, and I must go. 



EXPERIENCES IN EARTH LIFE. 



15 



Say nothing of our conversation to any one, and do not think 
strange of my seeming coldness to you in the presence of your 
father. Farewell, my darling child, farewell." Imprinting a warm 
kiss on my lips, she left me. 




CHAPTER II. 

Is there Another Life? — Questions — My Mother's Death — Deathbed Visions and Rev- 
elations — Light from the Beyond. 

"When I sought thy radiant spirit, 

When I sought thy well loved form, 
How the icy pressure chilled me, 

Of the hand so lately warm. 
How the dim eye closed upon me, 

How the lips I loved so well 
Seemed to neither seek nor shun me, 

As my kisses on them fell. 

Oh ! my dear and blessed mother, 

Angels claimed thee for their own, 
But to form that blessed union, 

Must thy child be left alone ?" 

5iil?iHE long hot summer had given place to the golden days of 

MMk 

fiEl autumn ; never had the forests been more gorgeously ar- 

!•;.'_ rayed with rich and varying tints ; never was the sky bright- 
4 s er, nor the air purer ; but the glory of the autumnal months 
was fast fading, the brown, withered leaves lay now in heaps upon 
the ground, or were driven hither and thither by the chilling winds 
of November. The few songsters that remained seemed pining 
for the beauty that had perished, and the mountain stream mur- 
mured a sad and mournful requiem. Our home within, was a fit 
representation of the world without. 

For many weeks my mother had been slowly losing her hold 



EXPERIENCES IN EARTH LIFE. I 7 

iipon parth and now seemed almost ready to break the last link 
that held her to earth life. There was no disease, but a gradual 
loss of vital po\v:r. Her step had become slow and tottering, her 
form emaciated ; her face almost colorless. The large dark eye 
-still retained its brilliancy, and the sweet spirit illuminated the face 
with indescribable beauty. As all that was lovely seemed to be 
withdrawing from the earth, so the divinity enshrined within its 
earthly casket was rapidly passing away. Winter would soon 
chain the dancing waters and spread its white mantle over the 
earth. Alas ! I knew its snowy covering would fall on the grave 
•of my beloved mother. The winter of death would blast the one 
sweet blossom of my heart, and congeal the fountain of its affec- 
tion. How cheerless and desolate life would seem to me ! The 
vivifying breath of spring would awaken external nature and re- 
model myriad forms of life, in fineness of proportion, touched with 
tints of delicacy and beauty, that would charm the eye, and de- 
light the hearts of millions ; but no warmth, or light, could enliven 
•or dissipate the perpetual winter which had enfolded me in its re- 
lentless arms. 

I look. back to those days and marvel at my short-sightedness, 
and at the anguish that crushed my young spirit, seemingly un- 
bearable. But I knew nothing of philosophy or science; a know- 
ledge of the immortality of the soul had never reached my spirit. 
The religion which had brought faith and consolation to my sweet 
mother, was robbed of all its beneficial effects upon me by the 
deceitful, and repulsive character of my father. His life had 
caused me to think, and thought had resulted in skepticism, but 
"which I had never found courage to express. The Phantom I had 
seen, and which my mother assured me had conversed with her, 
Was the only evidence I had received of the power of the soul to 



8 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



outlive the decay of the body; and this was not entirely satisfac- 
tory, as I did not know who or what the Phantom was. My 
mother's silence upon the subject, and her wish that I should not 
mention it, together with the knowledge that she must soon leave 
us, made me doubly anxious to know more of this strange visitant. 

One day when mother seemed weaker than usual, I drew my 
chair to her bed, and taking her thin, white hand in mine, said : 
"Dear mother we are alone, there are no prying eyes to watch, no 
ears to catch the sound of our voices ; I must speak freely to you 
once more. I know you will soon leave us, tell me, O tell me! 
Do you know that you will live after death ? If you have proof, 
O give it to your distracted child ! Day by day I see the lamp of 
life, flicker fainter and fainter; how will it be re-lighted? You are 
calm and quiet, what is the cause of this composure ? I shall soon 
be alone, all alone! but if you can give me a certainty of your 
existence, I shall not mind the darkness and trials that await me 
on the way of life." 

My mother's face flushed, and then became pale as death, even 
the lips took on the ashen hue that marks the approach of a great 
change. I feared that my excitement had destroyed her, and was 
about to call for assistance, when she beckoned me to draw near 
and be quiet ; then in a low tremulous voice she said: 

"My child I have done wrong in keeping you so long in dark- 
ness, but I did not know that a doubt had ever entered your mind. 
Faith was enough for me: in the Gospel, I found all the evidence 
that I required. With ,you it is different and you shall have the ' 
benefit of my experience. Lilian, or the Phantom Form, was 
the first angel, or ministering spirit that God sent to me. It was 
long before I became fully satisfied as to her identity, and I am 
too weak now, to tell you all the means she has resorted to, to 



EXPERIENCES IN EAKTH LIFE. 1 9 

establish the strange revelation she made. Suffice it to say, that 
she once lived in mortal form. You will sometime have as good 
evidence, of this as I have. Since the death of my baby, Lilian 
has often brought him to me. I have seen, handled, and talked 
to my precious child; therefore I have not grieved for him. Every 
day of the past week, two or more spirits have been with me a 
greater part of the time. They wait to conduct my emancipated 
spirit to its new home. I am calm, because I have no fear; death 
is swallowed up in victory. My child, I know that you will be 
faithful and I will come to you often to aid, love and bless you ; 
do not shed one tear, I am happy. My child, give me your hand ! 
it is getting dark ! a chill creeps over me, See ! there is Lilian and 
baby, and — and — mother! Hear the music ! see the bright forms! 
they come ! My child farewell, -farewell." 

The head fell back, and before I fully realized the import of her 
words, she was gone. But O, what a light flooded my soul ; all 
doubt had been swept away, and I felt to thank God that my 
beautiful mother was free from the cares and troubles of earth life. 
I threw my arms around her and listened to the music greeting the 
new born spirit. So great an impression did her last words make 
upon me, that when father returned his first expression was: 
"what has occurred to make you look so happy ?" 



CHAPTER III. 

Sacred to Obligation — Youthful Aspirations Blighted — Disbelief and Dislike of Re- 
ligion — Sore Trials — Angel Ministration — Cruel Separation. 

"O hearts that never cease to yearn ! 
O burning tears that ne'er are dried ! 
The dead, though they depart, return, 
As if they had not died. 

The living are the only dead: 

The dead live, nevermore to die; 
And often when we mourn them fled, 

They never were so nigh." 

^f\f. HE golden years of girlhood! how fair their dreams, how 

^A| bright their hopes, how inspiring their prophecies! Their 
enchanted palaces may fall, their dreams prove meaning- 
less, their hopes turn to dust and ashes ; yet they are sweet, 

the dawn of a new era ; happy the heart that is permitted to linger 

long in this rosy period of existence. 

"Oh ! the joy 
Of young ideas painted on the mind, 
In the warm, glowing colors, fancy spreads 
On objects not yet known, when all is new, 
And all is lovely.'* 

I was not imaginative ; nature had not endowed me with beauty 
of face, or perfection of form, nor that quick intuitive perception, 
which adds a charm to existence. My life had been common place, 



EXPERIENCES IN EARTH LIFE. 21 

I had not dreamed of anything out of the ordinary course of events. 
I wanted to prepare myself for teaching ; to attain this object, I 
bent all my energies. My father's limited means prevented my 
having the advantages I desired, and alone I poured over the books 
which were to pave the way for the future independence I craved. 
The sickness and death of my mother, and the sacred promise I 
had made to her, destroyed my hopes for the future, and compelle d 
me to accept a position, and to perform duties which were very 
distasteful; nevertheless, I resolved to be faithful, and if necessary, 
sacrifice myself for the good of those entrusted to my care. 

My father did not seem to understand the heavy burden that 
had fallen upon my shoulders ; he did not offer to procure assis- 
tance, nor did he seem to realize that there was more required o f 
me than I could possibly accomplish. I assumed the entire con- 
trol of the house; its many arduous duties and the charge of the 
children, kept me constantly employed, leaving no time for thought 
or culture. Sister Eunice kindly offered to assist, but I insisted 
upon her staying at school, hoping that some day I might see her 
occupy the position I had so earnestly desired. 

My duties almost entirely secluded me from society. I left our 
home but twice a week ; Saturday afternoon to visit our mother's 
grave ; and Sunday morning to attend church with our father. I 
dreaded the approach of the hour when I was to go to the Chapel. 
It had been no trial to go with mother; I could sit and look into 
her sweet, patient face, and know that it reflected the purity, and 
sweetness of a holy life. The earnest words of the Pastor were 
joyfully received by her spirit, her faith in their truthfulness and 
power illuminated her face and inspired me with something akin 
to awe.. With my father it was different; to me his face was like 
a mask, which strove in vain to hide the deformity beneath. To 



22 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



my young mind, he seemed while in church, to be acting a part, 
a character not his own. I think my mother's gentle spirit must 
have ever held me in check, for after her death I found it difficult 
to control the impulsive nature, which longed to speak out and 
assert its freedom. It was only the memory of my sacred prom- 
ise that prevented. 

There was another cause of trouble, my disbelief and dislike of 
religion was increasing day by day. There was no one to whom 
T could express my feelings and I shuddered as I thought of my 
growing sinfulness; and as the weeks rolled on without bringing 
any tidings from my mother, I began to fear that my sinful thoughts 
prevented her approach. Thus weary and bodily overtaxed, tor- 
tured by contending emotions, my life was becoming intolerable. 
I felt the need of human sympathy, longed to open my heart to 
some friend. I had never mentioned the last conversation with 
my mother. Finally, I resolved to take Eunice into my confidence, 
and that night I told her of the Phantom Form, of my hope and 
desire to see mother, and lastly of the religious doubts that were 
troubling me. Eunice listened with great interest, and putting 
her arms around me said: 

"Sweet sister, I am glad you told me all; I believe in the 
Phantom Form. There is in my heart something that tells me 
it is a reality and that we shall know more of it by-and-by. I am 
sure mother will come, she was so good, her first thought would 
be to bless and care for us ; yes, yes, I know she will come; but 
with your doubts I can have no sympathy; our father's faults 
should not lessen our respect for the religion our mother accepted 
as true, and taught us to rely upon as essential to salvation. Your 
doubts must have been caused by your disappointment. Let me 
stay at home and take your place, I will do the best I can, and 



EXPERIENCES IN EARTH LIFE. 23 

get the widow Brown to help. You can pursue your studies and 
will soon be able to earn something; please do, I shall be happier 
if you consent." 

In this way the dear girl continued to talk for some time. It was 
sweet to receive her caresses and see her face brighten as she 
spoke of the future, when I should feel independent. I reminded 
her of my promise, and said: "My darling sister, I have your 
love, it will give me strength to endure the trials that await me. 
I feel a vague impression of a coming storm, cling to me, Eunice ; 
you are to me an angel of beauty and goodness; I shall not be 
entirely shut out from the influence of our mother while you are 
near." As I finished these words a sound near the window attrac- 
ted our attention. Looking in that direction we saw the dark 
form of our father, who had evidently overheard our conversation. 
Frowning upon me, his voice husky and tremulous with anger, 
he said : 

"So I have a heretic in the house, a scoffer at the truths of re- 
ligion, a believer in ghosts and spectres, a child who reviles and 
slanders a loving parent, a sister who is pouring the poison of her 
vile heart over the pure white life of a child; I have heard all, I 
know all. Eunice go to your room; to-morrow I will see that 
you are removed from the baneful influence that surrounds you." 
Then turning to me he continued: "I once had high hopes for 
you, you have blasted them, you are unfit for any position of trust 
or responsibility; I shall keep you under my eye, and see that 
you have enough to employ your hands and brain, and if possible 
dislodge the demon that has evidently obsessed you ; go, go, no 
more idle moments for you!" 

Trembling with fear and dread I crept away, glad to get beyond 
the glare of his angry eyes, and filled with horror, and a gloomy 



24 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



foreboding at the full meaning of those words. The night was a 
terrible one for me. I retired at an early hour, and tried in vain 
to quiet my fears, and dispel the fearful forebodings that haunted 
me. I understood my father too well, to hope for any change in* 
the determination he had formed of sending Eunice from home.. 
I thought of my desolate and wretched condition and of Eunice; 
what did he intend to do with her? I knew that he was not able 
to place her in school, and that he had no friends to whom he 
could intrust her. My agony of spirit found vent in tears ; at last 
I grew calm, and sweet slumber shut me out from the world of 
sorrow. I seemed to have rested but a few moments when awak- 
ened by a light step. I opened my eyes, and saw Eunice stand- 
ing in the moonlight, she advanced saying: 

"Sweet sister, I .knew you would be wretched to-night, and I 
could not stay away from you; do not make yourself unhappy 
because of father's threats; I will not leave you, I do not fear him,, 
he cannot seperate us, unless he does it by force, and I hardly- 
think he will resort to that. Together we can endure all things." 
I knew the words came from her heart, and I also knew, how pow- 
erless they would be to change the iron will of our father. Her 
sweet words soothed me as the murmur of a stream, as the gentle 
pattering of rain soothes the disturbed spirit. I held her in my 
arms and felt a consciousness that it was the last time. The hours 
glided by, the bright moonlight flooded every part of the room. 
Finally, Eunice slept, and I too, soon lost all consciousness of my 
surroundings. I was aroused by a rustling sound, and the pres- 
sure of a little hand upon my arm. I opened my eyes and saw 
two shining forms standing in the moonlight, the one nearest the 
bed was Lilian, the Phantom Form. She was radiantly beauti- 
ful, there was a look of unutterable tenderness in her large blue- 



EXPERIENCES IN EARTH LIFE. 25 

eyes, and an indiscribable richness in the long wavy hair that fell 
around her like a veil of gold. Her eyes were fixed upon Eunice, 
and in a low, almost inaudible whisper she said: 

"Lilly, my darling, a terrible experience awaits you, a terrible 
blow will fell you to the eartn, the voice, is the voice of a serpent, 
the words contain the poison of the asp, be strong, I will help you, 
I will guard you ; do not oppose the will that is able to crush you; 
darling, I will not leave you, trust me, love me." 

She seemed losing power, her form grew faint and shadowy ; as 
she receded the Spirit accompanying her drew near, placed her soft 
hand upon my head, and bent over as if to caress me, the moon- 
light flashed upon her face and I saw that it was my mother. With 
a cry of delight I started up and extended my arms to embrace her, 
but she was gone ! I rushed to the open window and gazed out 
into the starry night; no living form was visible, all was silent as 
the grave. I opened the door and went into the dark entry ; the 
house was very quiet ; I could hear the ticking of the clock in the 
room below, ana the soft breathing of the children in their quiet 
slumbers. 

As I stood peering into the darkness, I heard a loud noise in my 
father's room; it seemed like the fall of a heavy object. Trembling 
with excitement I drew near his door, and heard him addressing 
some one in angry tones. I could not distinguish his words, but 
they were soon followed by a whizzing sound like some heavy 
substance passing through the air, the next moment it fell with a 
crash that could have been heard all over the house. I heard my 
father spring from his bed, and saw my mother and the Phantom 
Form leave his room, float through the hall, and pass out of the 
open window. 

With noiseless tread I returned to my room, too much excited 



26 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



to wonder why Eunice did not accompany me. I commenced to 
relate to her what I had heard and seen. As she did not move, or 
speak, I became alarmed; putting my hand upon her I found her 
body cold and rigid. In an agony of fear and terror, I rubbed her 
cold hands, forced bra-ndy between her lips and tried every method 
of which I knew to restore her, all was in vain, she remained cold 
and apparently lifeless. I was afraid to call for assistance, and 
continued working over the inanimate form until the first beams 
of day brought the welcome fact that the night of sorrow had 
passed. With the approach of light, and the awakening and sing- 
ing of birds, Eunice drifted back to conscious life, and before the 
hour for me to begin the duties of the day, she was fully restored 
to her normal condition. I then supposed that the sinking spell, 
or fit, was caused by fright ; the last she remembered was seeing 
my mother approach the bed. The words spoken by the Phantom 
Form, were entirely obliterated from her memory, and I could not 
bring myself to repeat the prophecy of evil. My father appeared 
at breakfast, pale and haggard, with sunken eyes and those hard 
drawn lines around the mouth which told plainly of a settled pur- 
pose that would be carried out, at all hazards. After breakfast he 
said to me: 

"Get the clothing, books, and all that belongs to Eunice, place 
them in the trunk standing in my room ; have her ready to leave 
at eleven; I shall call for her, see that there is no delay." With 
these words he left the house, leaving me overwhelmed with sor- 
row. Eunice was defiant — she declared that she would not leave 
me. With aching heart and tearful eyes I obeyed my father's 
command, and at the time designated all was in readiness. Eunice 
wondered at my willingness to prepare for her departure, saying: 
"Your labor will be in vain, I will not go." Father was as usual 



EXPERIENCES IN EARTH LIFE. 2/ 

prompt, he ordered the trunk placed in the light wagon at the 
door, then addressing Eunice, said: "I am ready, get your hat 
and shawl." She threw up her slight form to its full hight, fold- 
ed her arms and looking him defiantly in the face, replied : 

"You order me to follow you, as though I were a dog instead 
of your child, you would tear me from my home, from my sister 
whom I worship; I will not obey you ! I will not leave this house 
unless taken by force !" Throwing her arms around me, she clasped 
her little hands as though no power could unclasp those small 
fingers. My father smiled bitterly, and bending down, whispered 
a few words in her ear. The bright color left her face — her arms 
relaxed their hold and she sank to my feet in a death like swoon. 
My father moved me aside, lifted Eunice from the floor, applied 
restoratives, and at the first sign of returning consciousness wrap- 
ped her shawl around her, placed her in the carriage and bore 
her away. To me it seemed that she had gone to her death. I 
should have been less unhappy, could I have known her spirit 
was free and with the angels who had visited us the previous 
night. 



CHAPTER IV. 

Spirit Presence Of One Yet Living In Earthly Form — A Spirit From The Other 
Life^— Sorrowful Prediction — Astonishing Revelation — Disappointment. 

"When the cold breath of sorrow is sweeping 

O'er the chords of the youthful heart, 
And the earnest eye, dimmed with strange weeping, 

Sees the visions of fancy depart ; 
When the bloom of young feeling is dying, 

And the heart throbs with passions fierce strife, 
When our sad days are wasted in sighing, 

Who then can find sweetness in life ?" 



_ pj ONG, dreary months had passed since Eunice left us; 



|p§! months of toil, loneliness and sorrow. My father had told 
us that he had placed Eunice at school and that was all we 
heard, although I had hoped and prayed for a letter, or one 
word from, or of her. Disheartened, and weary of the toil and 
monotony of my life, I felt at times that I must at all hazards 
break away from its narrow limits, and seek for the one dear ob- 
ject that made life worth living. % The promise I had made to re- 
main and care for the little ones entrusted to my charge, was all 
that restrained me. No angelic form had appeared since Eunice's 
departure, no spirit voice guided, or cheered my lonely life. 

It was just six months from the night that my mother had ap- 
peared to us, when I found myself sitting alone, weary and dis- 
heartened. Father was from home, the children sleeping the 
sound sleep of childhood, and the house silent as the tomb. The 
injustice and wretchedness of my condition seemed to crowd upon 



EXPERIENCES IN EARTH LIFE. 



me, and sting almost to madness. I dropped my head upon my hand 
and wept. Suddenly, I felt the presence of some one, and looking 
up saw Eunice standing in the dimly lighted room. She was pale 
and thin ; her bright locks had been removed, and her eyes were in- 
tensly brilliant, almost wild, in their eager, dazzling light. I sprang 
forward to clasp her in my arms, she put out her hands as if to 
ward me off, and in solemn, measured tone, said : 

"Search my father's pocket!" then, slowly receded and finally 
faded from my sight. 

Astonished, bewildered, and pained by her sudden appearance 
and changed looks, I sat as motionless as stone, gazing at the 
spot where she had stood, and wondering if sorrow had made me 
mad. How long I remained in that dazed condition I know not. 
The first thing that aroused my attention was a light, cloud like 
appearance, which gradually took form. I watched it unmoved, 
and with no feeling of excitement and little interest, until the 
vapory substance rolled back and revealed the radiant face and 
beautiful form of my mother. O, what a contrast between the 
indescribable loveliness, peace, and brightness that seemed a part 
of her being, and the pallor, wretchedness and shadows that made 
up the apparition that first appeared; and what a contrast between 
her brightness and rest, and my wretched, lonely and darkened 
life. I realized this, and a feeling of bitterness pervaded my en- 
tire being. The calm, searching eyes of my mother read my 
heart; drawing near and speaking in a low, musical voice she 
said : 

"My child, do not judge of life before you have read more than 
one page; do not grow impatient at the heavy and grievous bur- 
den you have so patiently borne. I have never ceased to watch 
over and care for you, but have been unable to change or brighten 



30 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



your life ; now I have a revelation to make. It is not given me 
to read the full record of your future, but I can look along your 
life path and see some of the changes that will mark your eventful 
career. The monotony of your life is about to be broken, a 
stranger will enter the family to take the place I once occupied. 
You will be indignant and protest against what to you will seem 
an injustice to me; you will be wrong in that, but right in your 
estimate of the strangers character. The woman will be no friend 
to you, and your father will grow more bitter and selfish. This 
will hasten the change which is inevitable. The time will come 
when you will be compelled to go forth a stranger, houseless, 
friendless. So far you have kept your promise nobly, from this 
hour you are free ; when the trial comes I will guide you. Think 
not that this change will bring unhappiness to me ; my children 
will be well cared for until they can care for themselves. The 
only shadow that falls upon me is the sadness of your life, but I 
know that eventually you will pass into the sunlight of happiness, 
for God is good, and the fingers of time are polishing a crown of 
happiness for every soul ; be hopeful and trust the Good Father. 
I shall come again when the storm which I see in the future shall 
beat upon your head, and the sharp agony of misplaced confidence 
will wring your heart." 

At these words I looked up; could it be that she spoke of 
Eunice? I cried out, mother ! Oh tell me of my sister ! Eunice, 
oh Eunice, where is she? The sweet face was shadowed, and the 
clear voice tremulous, as she replied: 

"Ask me not to reveal the depths of infamy and crime, con- 
nected with one who was so intimately related to me ; let the truth 
come to you from another source, you will soon know all. He 
has placed her in a position that will darken all her earth life. 



EXPERIENCES IN EARTH LIFE. 



Lilian is constantly with her. Oh, my child! I must tell you part 
of the secret that made my life wretched, Eunice is not my child, 
not your sister! Love her, protect her, and yet, Oh God ! she 
will blast your happiness and cause you to hate the life that 
should be beautiful. to you. I cannot tell you more, Eunice is 
guiltless, fate binds you to her; you to bless, she to curse; I can- 
not change it. My poor darling, bear up, after the storm there 
will come a season of rest, and out of the ashes of disappointed 
hopes and buried love, will spring that peace which the world 
cannot give or take away." 

She placed her hands upon my head and murmuring a blessing, 
slowly faded from sight. I seemed incapable of thought or move- 
ment, and remained almost paralyzed until a late hour when my 
father returned. His sharp reproof fell unheeded; mechanically I 
arose and retired to my room, and it was not until the next day 
that I could think calmly of all that had transpired, and even then 
much of it remained a mystery. At times I was half inclined to 
believe that all this, was the work of an overwrought brain. Fi- 
nally the words of Eunice came to my mind and I thought, this 
will test the reality of the vision. The next evening, after my 
father had retired, with trembling hands I searched as directed, 
but the search was fruitless. I had spread the various papers and 
letters on the hall table and looked over them with nervous haste. 
Satisfied that there was nothing that could give any light about 
my sister, I was about to return them to their place, when the 
sound of a step attracted my attention. Looking up, I saw my 
father's cold, sneering face bending over me. I tried to stammer 
an apology, but my tongue failed. I will not repeat his angry 
words; suffice it to say, I sought my room deeply humiliated, 
feeling that I had been the victim of my own imagination, and re- 



32 



THE PHANTOM FORM. 



solved to be more guarded in the future. Oh ! how my very life 
sank back into the. darkness, as the beautiful vision of my mother 
faded away. 







CHAPTER V. 

.Prophecy Fulfilled — Houseless, Homeless, Friendless — Heart Revelations — Betroth- 
al — Mysterious Appearance — A Great Surprise. 

"She loves — but knows not whom she loves, 
Nor what his race, or whence he came ; — 
Like one who meets, in Indian groves, 
Some beautious bird without a name, 
Brought by the last ambrosial breeze, 
From isles in the undiscovered seas, 
To show his plumage for a day 
. • To wondering eyes, and wing away." 

NOTWITHSTANDING my determination to think no more 



^ of the revelations so mysteriously given to me, I could not 
entirely banish them from my thoughts. Every day 
brought something to remind me of my mother's words 
-and in less than six months from the events recorded in the last 
chapter her prophetic communication was fulfilled. A stranger 
sat in her place, assumed the management of the children, and 
the control of the household. To me she seemed a coarse, re- 
pulsive, selfish woman, and my whole nature rebelled against the 
authority she attempted to exercise over me. To my father and 
the younger children she was kind ; to me, harsh, exacting and 
cruel. I need not enter into the details of the six months I re- 
mained with her. Suffice it to say, that life became unbearable 
and finally, at the suggestion of my father, I left the shelter of 
home; moneyless, and almost friendless, went out to fight the 



34 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



battle of life. Through the kindness of a neighbor I obtained a 
situation in a country school and entered upon my duties. 

For the reader, whose life may have glided on like a sun kissed 
stream, fragrant with love, radiant with beauty, joyful with the 
bright pictures of hope, it will be impossible to appreciate the 
rapture with which I greeted the change that was to bear me for- 
ever away from old scenes and familiar faces. The arduous du- 
ties of school-life were brightened with the anticipations of inde- 
pendence, and surrounded by a soft halo of peace. The change 
was like passing from darkness into light, and gradually as I be- 
came accustomed to my new duties, the repulsive scenes of my 
early life receded, and I settled down into a calmness of spirit, 
deeply refreshing after the struggles and trials through which I 
had passed. By the closest economy I was able to lay by a por- 
tion of my hard earned wages, thinking each time that I looked 
at my hoarded treasure, I shall need it by and by to aid me in 
seeking for Eunice. I had received no word from her, nor had 
my mother or the Phantom Form appeared to me since the mem- 
orable evening to which I have alluded. 

Three years glided by and found me still occupying the same 
position; no event had occurred to disturb my smooth and un- 
eventful life. It was the time of the summer vacation, I look back 
to it as one would recall a pleasant dream. The family with whom 
I made my home had received a boarder, a gentleman, who, hav- 
ing grown weary of the heat and dust of the city, had come to 
spend the summer months in the pleasant village where I was teach- 
ing. Mr. Lawson was young, talented,and to my inexperienced eyes, 
one of the handsomest, as well as the noblest of men. Fate threw 
us much into each other's society; my soul rejoiced and grew 
strong as I listened to his brilliant conversation, and what to me, 



EXPERIENCES IN EARTH LIFE. 35 

appeared his profound and far reaching thought. How well he 
understood the human heart, how broad and grand his views of 
life, how inspiring his conception of religion. From admiration 
of his intellect I learned to love him, or rather my ideal of him. 
When first I made the discovery that he had become the idol of 
my life, I was startled at my audacity for daring to lift my heart 
to one so far above me. I was a plain, uneducated girl and could 
have no attraction for him into whose brilliant and fascinating 
society fate had thrown me. I might taste the sweets of love, but 
only to feel its most bitter disappointments. 

After my heart had to itself confessed its secret, I determined 
to shun the man who could only dazzle for a time, and then leave 
my heart in desolation. Accordingly I made arrangements to 
retire to a distant village and spend the remainder of the vacation 
with a favorite pupil. But love is stronger than all other emotions 
of the soul, and the more earnest the endeavor to conceal or des- 
troy it; the more surely will it assert its supremacy. I can now 
understand that my shyness and reserve, served to reveal the se- 
cret they were intended to guard. The result was a declaration, 
the exchange of vows, pledges of deathless love, and an-engage- 
ment of marriage, which was deferred until the following spring. 

Now for the first. time in my existence I tasted unalloyed happi- 
ness. Love's young dream was never brighter or more promising. 
Time flew on, and the day arrived when I was once more to be 
left alone. The separation was hard for me, and tears dimmed 
the large eyes of my betrothed, as he tenderly bade me farewell. 
"It is only for a short time," he said, "next month I will come 
and spend a few days with you ; be hopeful ; when you are mine, 
this drudgery and wear of body and brain shall cease forever, 
farewell, darling, farewell!" 



36 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



He was gone, and the world suddenly assumed its old, dark 
hues, with only one light to cheer its gloom; the sweet, perfect 
happiness of the last few weeks and the bright prospects of the 
future. I endeavored to put my lover out of my thoughts and 
devote myself to the duties of the hour. But found that: 

"Of all affliction taught a lover yet, 
'Tis sure the hardest science to forget !" 

A week after his departure, sitting alone, trying to master the 
thoughts of an author which he had recommended me to read; 
the startling and revolutionizing ideas presented, so excited and 
disturbed my mind, I was compelled to close the book and turn 
my thoughts into another channel. An unaccountable sensation 
as of the presence of some one near, greatly disturbed me. 

My mind went out in thought of Eunice; poor child, I said, 
the savings I have put by, to aid in seeking you, will be used to 
procure my bridal outfit; but, after I am married I will find you, 
and you shall share my happiness! With this thought uppermost 
in my mind I retired, and soon fell into that peculiar state in 
which I was neither awake nor asleep. I seemed to see a woman 
approaching; her drooping form was wrapped in a worn and faded 
shawl, her pale and emaciated face almost concealed beneath the 
coarse hat pressed down over her eyes ; as she drew near she ex- 
tended her thin hand as though about to beg for assistance; fix- 
ing her eyes upon me with a long, wondering stare, she suddenly 
threw her arms around me, exclaiming: 

"I have found you ! save me! save me !" 

There was something familiar in the agony of her voice, some- 
thing that carried me back to the days when golden haired 
Eunice was the only light of my dark life. This aroused me, 
and by the clear light I had left burning, I saw the shadowy fig- 



EXPERIENCES IN EARTH LIFE. 37 

ure of my vision. Her arms were extended to me and her pale 
lips repeated the words of my dream ; one moment she looked 
upon me and then vanished. It was impossible to compose my- 
self to sleep, and morning found me restless and feverish. I com- 
menced in a mechanical way the duties of the school. About the 
middle of the forenoon I heard steps approaching the open door> 
and looking in that direction, saw the tottering form of the pre- 
vious night ; my brain reeled so that I was unable to leave the 
chair, and not until the large mournful eyes were fixed upon me, 
and the trembling voice called out in agony "I have found you ! 
save me ! save me !" could I break the spell of horror that seemed 
to freeze the blood in my veins, and fly to my poor Eunice, take 
her in my arms and assure her of my protection. As soon as I 
could realize that she was veritable flesh and blood, I dismissed 
the school and with Eunice went to my quiet home. 




CHAPTER VI. 

Eunice 1 s Sad Experiences — A Father's F'alse Representation Corrected By The Spirit 
Mother — One of Earth 's Dark Places — Inez, The Unfortunate — Eunice Saved 
From A Horrible Fate By Spirit Warning — The Escape. 

" 'Tis the cruel artifice of fate, 
Thus to refine and vary on our woes, 
To raise us from despair, and give us hopes, 
Only to plunge us in the gulf again, 
And make us doubly wretched." 

"Hope 's at best 
A star that leads the weary on, 
Still pointing at the unpossessed, 
And palling that it beams upon." 

% HE unknown power controlling the mysterious changes of 
life, seemed weaving golden threads into the warp of my 
existence ; the one great desire of my heart had been grant- 
ed, Eunice was with me once more. Bright were my anti- 
cipations for the future, rainbow-tinted and joy-empearled were 
the thoughts that swept through the chambers of my soul as I 
hastened home to meet the dear one that waited there. She was 
ill, 1 would restore her to health ; she was friendless, I would be 
mother, sister, all to her ; she was poor, and I smiled to think of 
my treasure; that, would provide for her necessities until she was 
prepared to aid in caring for herself. With a light heart I 
entered the room ; Eunice was seated by the fire, its ruddy light 
tinting the pale cheek, adding brilliancy to her eyes. I was al- 




EXPERIENCES IN EARTH LIFE. 39 

most startled by the striking resemblance she bore to the Phan- 
tom Form. Before I could utter my thoughts, she took my hand 
in both of hers and said : 

"Emily, my sister, your face is the kindest that I ever looked 
upon, your voice is melodious, and rich with unfathomable depths 
of affection. You, who are a part of all the happy experiences of 
the past, my light and guide in childhood, the model to which I 
ever turned my eyes ; to be like you was the highth of my childish 
ambition. Oh ! how different would have been my life could I 
have remained with you ; but a relentless fate willed it otherwise." 

She dropped her head upon her hands and for some moments 
seemed absorbed in thought. Do not disturb yourself by speak- 
ing of the past, I replied ; the long, dark years with their many 
trials are past, do not recall them ; let us live joyfully in the pres- 
ent and look hopefully toward the future; we are united, who 
shall tear us asunder, who prevent us from enjoying the rich bles- 
sing of sisterly affection ? At these last words Eunice started from 
her chair and in a hurried, excited, manner replied : 

"No, no, I cannot forget the past ! I must tell you all to night; 
and then, Emily, do not, O, do not cease to love me ! If you do 
there is but one refuge left, and I will seek it before the light of 
another day dawns upon my wretched being !" I was about to 
assure her of the permanency of my affection and of my know- 
ledge of the subject to which she referred, but she waived a silence 
and said: 

"Wait, wait until you have heard the revelation I am 
about to make ! You remember the day of my departure from 
home, when I so defiantly told the man we called father, that I 
would not leave you ; you saw him whisper to me, witnessed the 
effect of his words; but you little dreamed their import; he said: 



4-0 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



'Emily is not your sister, this house is not your home, you are a 
waif, an illegitimate child!' My heart assured me that he had told, 
the truth ; the blow was too great, I fainted, and when conscious- 
ness returned, found myself in a carriage supported in my father's 
arms. Slowly the awful truth dawned upon me, and as soon as I 
gained strength and power of speech, I threw off his arm and de- 
manded to know who I was? A sarcastic smile was his only 
reply. Growing weary after repeated efforts to obtain an answer, 
I wrapped my shawl around me and determined to make no 
further attempts in that direction. Hour after hour passed without 
the exchange of a word ; and it was not until the shadows of eve- 
ning were falling over the earth that he broke the silence by say- 
ing : 

'Your calmness assures me that you are now prepared for an 
answer to your question. Your father I never knew ; your mother 
was an actress, a vile, abandoned woman ; to conceal her shame 
she deserted you, threw you upon the charity of strangers. I was 
from home when my kind-hearted wife found you upon the door 
step and insisted upon adopting you as her own. Had she lived, 
your wayward disposition and unruly temper might have been 
curbed, and guided into better channels ; as it is, the inherent 
depravity of your nature has grown stronger, until I no longer 
consider you a fit companion for my children; you are indebted - 
to me for the kindness and support you have received ; to-night 
I leave you ; we shall probably never meet again ; the friend I 
leave you with, will carry you oh further in the country, where 
you will be left with a family who will take charge of you and 
give you your true position in life. If your heart was capable of 
gratitude, you would thank me for the interest I have taken in you. 
and the provision I have made for your future ; as it is, I expect. 



EXPERIENCES IN EARTH LIFE. 4 1 

no thanks, and I assure you that any attempt to escape from th£ 
position in which you are placed, will be worse than useless.' 

I made no reply, but then and there made a solemn vow, that I 
would free myself from the control of those whom I already hated, 
and whom I felt were empowered to make my life wretched. I 
will pass over the incidents connected with the remainder of our 
journey ; suffice it to say that I arrived at my destination at the 
close of the second day. The building was pleasantly located, 
not more than half a mile from the village of N — . I was agreeably 
surprised by the pleasant aspects of its surroundings. Entering 
the house I was met by a genial, motherly woman who gave her 
name as Mrs. Bowen. She seemed much pleased with my ap- 
pearance and admired, what she termed my spiritual look and 
golden curls ; she told me that her house was to be my home. I 
was expected to wait upon her daughters and make myself gen- 
erally useful, and she continued, 'if you give satisfaction, you will 
never regret having come here.' I was conducted to a neat cham- 
ber, told to rest, and the next morning was introduced to the four 
grown daughters. My childish eyes were dazzled by their beauty 
and their handsome attire, and I began to question, why should 
father have sent me to such a pleasant place? I will not weary 
you by relating all the changes of the years while I remained with 
those people, but briefly tell you, that a few weeks were sufficient 
to open my eyes as to the character of the place to which I had 
been introduced. I at once made an effort to escape, but was 
captured, brought back, and more closely guarded than before. 
My life there would have been much worse, but for the kindness 
of Madam Bowen, who had really taken a deep interest in me. 
My annoyance and disgust often found expression in bitter words 
and stinging rebuke, but punishment of some kind always fol- 



42 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



lowed. When Madam B. was from home I fared badly, being 
compelled to perform the most menial service. During the last 
year of my stay my sufferings were almost unbearable ; the envy 
and jealousy of the sisters, their anger at my steadiness of purpose, 
and my unceasing condemnation of their course of life, lashed 
them to fury ; and at last, not satisfied with having reduced me to 
the position of a slave, they determined that my life should be one 
with theirs ; a plot was laid, which if successful, would have result- 
ed in adding one more unfortunate to the list of suicides ; but 
happily for me it was discovered and frustrated. 

"In giving this revelation, I have passed over my sad and lonely 
hours, my great desire to see or hear from you and the efforts I 
made to accomplish that result. It seemed that a sea of inky 
blackness swept between us ; even in dreams I could seldom pass 
the gulf that separated me from you. Once I succeeded in getting 
a letter to the office. O, how fervently I prayed for its safe de- 
livery. A few nights after, I dreamed that I was in the old home, 
I saw you as plainly as I see you to-night ; I saw my letter in 
father's pocket, I knew that he intended to destroy it, and that 
my only hope was in making you understand where it was. I 
made a great effort of will and called out, 'search father's pocket !' 
then my strength ebbed away, and I could only see you as 
through a mist ; but great was my disappointment to see you re- 
tire without heeding my words. This was afterwards explained 
to me by my angel mother ; she said that I was with you in spirit, 
but that your mind was so preoccupied by later communications 
that you neglected the letter until the following night, then it was 
too late and the search caused you trouble. During the darkest 
hour of my absence, the spirit known as the Phantom Form fre- 
quently came to me ; by degrees I became familiar with her, and 



EXPERIENCES IN EARTH LIFE. 43 

from her angel lips received a truthful answer to the question I 
had put to father. She was my mother, but upon her memory 
rests no stain, she was as pure as the angels in whose society she 
now finds her home. Emily, your father is my father, upon him 
rests the wrong, the sin which he fain would have cast upon an- 
other. I have not strength to speak upon this point to-night, but 
will pass on to show you how I escaped from the den of in- 
famy in which I was incarcerated. 

"There was at the house a very beautiful woman by the name 
of Inez, who had been enticed into a secret marriage and was 
brought into the house as a boarder. She was accompanied by 
her husband who remained only two or three days ; after his de- 
parture she became greatly depressed ; her days and nights were 
passed in bitter tears ; her lonely and dejected condition touched 
my heart and drew me to her ; but she manifested no interest in 
me. I noticed a gradual change in her appearance, her cheeks 
became flushed, and her eyes had an unnatural brilliancy ; she 
seemed less disturbed in mind, but very nervous and excitable. 
Judge of my surprise when one night the door of my room opened 
and Inez entered. Drawing a chair to my bed side, she said: 
'Do not be frightened by my sudden appearance, I have come to 
tell you something of great importance to you.' She then gave 
me a history of her life, ending by telling me of her love, her 
flight from home, her secret marriage and her conveyance into 
what she supposed was a quiet family circle. The desertion of 
her supposed husband, the grief and despair that followed, and at 
last the awful revelation that she had been brought to a den of 
darkness and pollution. Her anger, despair, and attempts to es- 
cape the watchful care of those who guarded her as a prisoner, 
and finally her determination to make friends with the inmates of 



44 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



the house and in this way escape. She had paid little attention to 
me, knowing to do so was to put an obstacle in her way; but that 
day she had heard of a diabolical plot which had been laid for my 
destruction. She determined to save me and had come to tell me 
of her plans. You cannot imagine my horror at the story she 
repeated. I entered into her plans for escape with all my heart, 
and yet I felt that they would fail. O, Emily, my sister ! words 
can give you but a faint conception of the agony I endured for the 
next week. Madam B. had been absent for several months and 
my tormentors had lost no opportunity to annoy me. It lacked 
only two days of the time appointed for our flight, and although 
I knew we were closely watched, I had no reason to think that 
our plans were suspected. So great was my agitation, I could 
neither eat nor sleep, and the least sound caused me to tremble 
like a leaf. 

"It was morning, I was busy with my duties when apiercing scream 
rang through the house, followed by peals of laughter and the sound 
of rapidly approaching footsteps. The next moment the door 
was thrown open and Inez stood before me; her long hair stream- 
ing over her face and shoulders and her eyes telling more plainly 
than words, T am mad! I fly, the demons are after me!' I will 
not relate the painful scene that followed ; Inez was secured and 
borne from the house and I was alone, with only one day between 
me and the horrible fate that seemed inevitable. O ! how I en- 
vied Inez ! and I prayed that the light of reason might go out in 
darkness. That night my angel mother came and in her sweet 
voice said : 'Eunice, to-morrow Madam B. will return at 5 o'clock 
in the evening ; tell her all, appeal to her sympathy, she will leave 
you alone, then make good your escape, I will guide you, fear 
not, you will not fail ?' 



EXPERIENCES IN EARTH LIFE. 45 

"I could scarcely wait for the light of morning, and as the hours 
flew on I found myself constantly looking in the direction from 
which Madam B. would arrive. She came; taking her to my 
room I threw myself upon my knees before her, told her of the 
outrageous treatment I had received in her absence, and of the 
plans which she could frustrate. She was a woman of strong 
passion, her temper knew no bounds. 'They have driven Inez to 
insanity, I have lost her; they have dared to interfere with my 
plans for the future, now let them beware ! Stay here child, do 
not leave your room to-night, I will see who is mistress in this 
house !' She left me, and soon the sound of angry voices reached 
my ear ; now was my opportunity. 

"With trembling hand I secured a few presents that Madam B. 
had made me, then went out into the darkness. There was in 
the village a young man who had frequently come to the house 
with provisions ; it was early in the evening and I knew that I 
could find him ; I was not disappointed ; he agreed to carry me 
to the house where I had spent a night after leaving home, if I 
would give him a beautiful ring, one of the presents received from 
Madam B. I passed the journey without interruption, then fear- 
ing pursuit, I went to the more unfrequented part of the country, 
walking until ready to fail from exhaustion, then resting in the 
woods. In one of these rests, I dreamed of you and saw this 
room as plainly as I see it now. I journeyed on until I came in 
sight of the little school house where I hoped to obtain rest and 
food, for I was almost famished. AVhen I entered and found you 
it was almost too much, I could scarcely realize that I was at last 
safe, thank God I am safe." 



CHAPTER VII. 

The Cross Of yew els And Thorns — Its Significance — It Is Grand To Suffer, That 
Others May Be lifted Up — Foreboding — Love, As Interpreted From The High- 
er Spheres. 

"A thousand volumes in a thousand tongues, enshrine 

the lessons of experience ; 
Yet one shall read them all, and go forth none 

the wiser ; 
If self love lendeth him a glass, to color all he 

canneth, 
Lest m the features of another he find his own 

complexion." 

i»!g!^ HEN Eunice had finished the recital she seemed much 
:jL%^. exhausted and at once retired. But there was little rest 
/V ff x for her ; all night she tossed and moaned in her uneasy, 
•Hi broken slumber; seeming to live over again the terrible 
scenes through which she had passed, and morning found her 
feverish and drowsy. I left her alone while I went to attend to 
the duties of the day. On my return at noon she was no better 
and I procured the attendance of a friend to remain with her. In 
the evening she had failed so rapidly I sought medical advice. 
Day after day, and week after week she was prostrate upon a bed 
of suffering, unconscious of the anxious faces and aching hearts 
that watched over her. At last the crisis was passed and she 
was out of danger. That night my mother and Lilian came and 
stood by the bed of the sufferer. They seemed to be imparting 



EXPERIENCES IN EARTH LIFE. 47 

strength and vitality to the exhausted one. My mother presented 
a cross of jewels surrounded by small, sharp thorns, she said : 

"My child, you must wear it; I would that I had power to tear 
away the thorns that the brightness and beauty of the gems they 
conceal might adorn and glorify your life. But my darling child, 
it is only through growth that you will learn their significance 
and value. Each little jewel represents a great principle, and you 
are no better prepared to receive and appreciate their worth, than 
the soil that is covered with weeds is prepared to vitalize the gold- 
en grain. Sharp, and to you terrible experiences must weed out 
the errors which spring from educational bias, and in the calm 
that will follow the fierce conflict to which I refer, will come the 
revelation of truth whose light has but just entered my soul. 
Shrink not, faint not, when the darkest hour arrives ; one by one 
the thorns will fall, and the cross grow lighter and brighter until 
you can lift your heart in thankfulness, and praise God for the 
trials which shall be as teachers. Eunice will be restored to 
health, but she too must drink of the cup of bitterness. My child, 
this knowledge would sadden my spirit if I did not know it to be the 
only way through which your life can be unfolded and a faint 
glimpse of truth be presented, which will be handed from one to 
another, growing stronger and clearer year by year, until it shall 
strike the chains from millions now in slavery. I know you do 
not comprehend my words, but the time is not far distant when 
they will be clear. My child, it is grand to suffer, that others may 
be lifted to a higher plane of life. It should be inspiring to rea- 
lize that your sorrows are opening the door through which millions 
of captives may escape. Be of good cheer, you are guided by the 
wise and good and your mission is a noble one, farewell." 

The musical voice died away and the bright forms faded from 



48 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



my sight. I had been intensly conscious while receiving the 
communication; not one word was lost, and yet I could draw no 
meaning from what she had said, save that I was to suffer for the 
good of others. Weary as I was, I admit that the words were 
not calculated to inspire or refresh my spirit. I had expected a 
visit from Mr. Lawson, but it had been deferred on account of my 
sister's illness, and now that a change had come I hoped that he 
would soon be with us. Eunice improved rapidly, and was soon 
able to sit up and converse. All my savings had been exhausted 
during her illness and I was glad to have had the privilege of 
thus administering to the wants of one so dear to me. I had not 
told her of my engagement, but intended to do so as soon as her 
strength would permit. Time rolled on, the holidays were fast 
approaching. Eunice could now go from room to room and gave 
promise of full restoration to health. Never had she been so af- 
fectionate and beautiful as now ; there was nothing she would not 
have done for my happiness, and in the sunshine of her pure, 
sweet devotion, my soul grew strong, and I thanked God for the 
angel whose presence blessed my life. 

It was a clear, cold night in December. Eunice and I were seat- 
ed by the glowing fire ; a package of letters lay upon the table, 
and I was about to open the secret door of my heart and let her 
gaze upon the idol enshrined there; I had brought the letters that 
they might give her a glimpse of Mr. Lawson's strong, clear 
mind, and the noble impulses of his heart. When I was about to 
begin the recital a gentleman was announced; judge of my sur- 
prise to find myself face to face with the object of my thoughts. 
Mr. Lawson greeted me kindly and bowed to Eunice in his usual 
dignified manner. He conversed cheerfully, explained his unex- 
pected arrival by saying, that not being able to remain to as late , 



EXPERIENCES IN EARTH LIFE. 49 

a day as anticipated he had come earlier, in order to lengthen the 
time. 

What a delightful evening ! I look back to it now as we look 
back to the innocence of childhood. Eunice soon grew weary 
and retired, then Mr. Lawson spoke of her as being the most 
beautiful person he had ever seen. I was delighted and thought 
liow happy we should be with her to brighten our home. Our 
marriage day was fixed for the first of June; my school was to be 
given up at the holidays, the intervening time to be devoted to 
rest and recreation ; so said Mr. Lawson. Anticipating this re- 
quest from him, I had arranged to teach private classes and in this 
way meet our expenses. Mr. Lawson spoke of my weary and 
worn appearance, said I must have been greatly overtaxed, "now 
while I am here," he continued, "I will relieve you of the charge 
of your invalid sister." I thanked him for the interest he mani- 
fested in Eunice and requested him to enliven her lonely hours 
while I was in school. He expressed the pleasure it would afford 
him to read and converse with Eunice a part of each day. Even 
then something like a shadow fell over my heart from his coldness, 
which could be felt, rather than expressed. 

Days lengthened into weeks and still Mr. Lawson remained 
with us. Eunice had greatly improved, her eyes were brilliant 
and her cheeks glowing ; when he read or conversed she seemed 
to feast upon the rich, mellow voice, but when conscious that his 
eyes were upon her, she would shrink and tremble like a fright- 
ened child. He too, attracted my attention by his cold and almost 
freezing manner to Eunice, at other times by an impassioned earn- 
estness and depth of feeling, which seemed to carry him beyond 
the power of control ; all this I saw, yet dreamed not of the true 
( cause. The first of February my betrothed left, left me with tear- 



50 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



ful eyes and burning cheeks, but with a happy heart in anticipa- 
tion of his return in the sweet month of May, when he was to re- 
main until the time of our marriage. He left Eunice cold and 
white as marble. A silent clasping of hands her only farewell. 

" They spoke not a word ; 
But, like dumb statues, or breathless stones, 
Stared on each other, and looked deadly pale." 

I reproached Eunice for not even looking at him, one who had 
been so kind to her and done so much to bring back the roses of 
health. Her only reply was, to put her arms around my neck 
and kiss me in an earnest and impulsive manner, saying: "Oh 
Emily ! If my life could add to your happiness I would willingly 
pour the last drop of my hearts blood at your feet!" She then 
glided away and I did not meet her for hours. 

The following evening when Eunice was reading aloud, and I 
with half closed eyes was enjoying bright visions of future happi- 
ness, she suddenly closed her book and asked: "What is the 
strongest proof of love?" Without raising my eyes I answered 
to give life for its object. As the words passed my lips, I was 
conscious that the room was filled with a white, misty vapor 
through which bright, ethereal forms were moving. One, whose 
noble bearing and majestic mien filled me with awe, drew near. 
Brushing aside the hair from his high, broad brow, he calmly 
said : 

"Life is filled with golden opportunities! cherish and hold sa- 
cred this priceless gift. Love is immortal ! it buds on earth and 
blossoms through eternity ; that which dies, changes, or is renoun- 
ced, is not love, only its semblance. Love blesses all who come 
within the sphere of its influence. It is a part of the spirit, it knows 
its own ; vast spaces may separate the outer forms, but loving spir- 



EXPERIENCES IN EARTH LIFE. 5 I 

its cannot be parted. Dark waves may roll between, and insur- 
mountable obstacles hedge the way, yet spirit calls to its own, 
and neither time, distance nor circumstances can prevent the ulti- 
mate and perfect union, blessed by the presence of the angel, love. 
It is nobler to live, wrapping round the spirit the pure bright gar- 
ments of untarnished affeciion, waiting for the unerring hands of 
destiny to restore your own, than it is to shrink and die, depriving 
society of the fragrance and noble example of a soul living in the 
full assurance of a union with that other soul which is its true, 
and only counterpart. Love, suffer if need be ; but live exalted, 
glorified by the consciousness that however remote the loved one 
may be, however insurmountable the obstacle may seem, your 
spirit can bridge the chasm and hold sweet communion with the 
one who waits to receive his own. Love is the glory of heaven, 
it is the brightest jewel in the crown of angels! cherish it, and to 
it dedicate your life !" 

Slowly the mist rolled away and the bright forms faded from 
sight. Looking at Eunice I saw her face bright with a beauty 
indescribable, a calm, sweet restfulness seemed to have become a 
part of her being. "O it is glorious !" she exclaimed, "glorious 
to know this !" She closed her eyes and sat in a quiet, dreamy 
state, from which I did not attempt to arouse her. 

The communication produced a wonderful effect upon Eunice ; 
she seemed to stand in the door of paradise ; a peace which I 
could not then understand, folded its white wings over her spirit. 
She devoted much of her time to the study of music, in which she 
was ambitious to become proficient. A few days later, Eunice 
asked my opinion of the communication, saying: "Would you be 
satisfied to wait and hope ; in a word, could you yield your right 
to Mr. Lawson, believing that eventually you would be united?" 



52 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



No, no, I answered, he is mine ! mine by the right of the love 
that claims him, the love that has made my life to blossom over 
with beauty, that has warmed my cold and desolate existence ; 
mine by the hopes he has awakened in my heart, by the deathless 
love he has called into being ; mine by the wealth of affection he 
has showered upon me, by the vows he has breathed, the pledges 
he has made; mine by all the laws of God, and soon to be so by 
the law of man. Renounce, yield all this with the shadowy, sen- 
timental thought that sometime in the unknown future we should 
meet again, and love as now ? No Eunice, never ! If I knew his 
very soul was poured out at another shrine, I would still claim 
my right and trust to the deathless devotion of my heart to win 
back his love. 

"Do you love him so well ?" spoke the tender voice of Eunice. 

Yes, so well that I tremble for myself, should anything break 
the even, steady current of this beautiful stream ! But forgive me 
for speaking with so much warmth, there is no cause for this 
serious conversation; sing, darling, sing, and we will forget my 
impulsive words. You, with your quiet nature, can never under- 
stand the depth of my passionate love. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

Sunshine Of Happiness — Eunice Strange Proposition — What Does It Mean — The 
Secret Revealed — The Terrible Ordeal — Marriage. 

"O marriage ! marriage ! what a curse is thine, 
Where hands alone consent and hearts abhor." 



lllpULTURE opens broad avenues through which the spirit 
v jfcL may pass to higher and broader conceptions of life, and bask 
in the sunlight of truths of which the uncultured mind knows 



nothing. Rich and varied are its resources and ample the 
material from which it constructs its temple of beauty. Yet it 
often causes its possessor to be cold, proud and reserved. How 
vast the distance between culture and love, and how widely differ- 
ent their effects ; the latter not only quickens and inspires the 
mind but it exalts, softens, glorifies the entire being. Its mystic 
charm transforms cold, common place life and adorns earth with 
the glory of heaven ; while its object takes on the highest attrib- 
utes of the ideal. Love is a benediction, a baptism from the 
highest and purest realm of life. 

"Love is a god, 
Strong, free, unbounded ; and as some define, 
Fears nothing, pitielh none : sweet love is mine." 

Such it was to me ; each day added to its brightness ; never 
had the sunshine of happiness folded me in her shining mantle as 
now. Our marriage had been deferred until the first of f une. Now 
the sweet, balmy breath of May kissed the red lips of the opening 



54 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



rose and played with the bright locks of Eunice as we walked in 
the pleasant grove near which we were boarding. 

Eunice was apparently fully restored to health, and although 
quiet and pensive, she entered into all my plans for the future 
with pleasure. She had expressed a wish to accept an invitation 
from a friend of mine, to spend the summer months at her retired 
home in the country, giving as a reason that she would improve 
there, much more rapidly than in the city, and would come to us 
in the autumn. I had reluctantly consented, and now to my 
surprise, Eunice insisted upon going before Mr. Lawson's return, 
saying : "You will not need me, all the arrangements are com- 
plete, I will return in time for the wedding ; please, sister, do not 
refuse your consent." 

It was the middle of the month, my betrothed was expec- 
ted in a week, her hasty and unreasonable request annoyed 
and perplexed me, and I determined that I would not permit 
her to leave until after the wedding, but deferred giving a 
definite reply, bidding her wait until I had time to consider 
her proposition. While she was anxiously waiting, Mr. Lawson 
arrived. I shall never forget the look of surprise, pain and utter 
wretchedness expressed on her countenance when she saw him. 
I was too much delighted to suspect the cause, or to notice their 
cold, constrained greeting. I was happy, my beloved had returned, 
my hand rested in his, and I felt that calm and content which 
comes from happy love. Years would come and go and find us 
in heart the same. Life looked so bright and beautiful, I half 
forgot the dreary past and lived and enjoyed the joyful present. 

"Vain hopes and empty joys of human kind, 
Proud of the present, to the future blind." 

Eunice soon left us ; as she passed into the house I noticed 



EXPERIENCES IN EARTH LIFE. 55 

her pale face and remarked, sister is disappointed, she did not in- 
tend to be here when you arrived. The dark face flushed crim- 
son as my companion ejaculated the one word, "Why ?" Fearing 
that he was offended, I replied, do not feel hurt, Eunice likes you, 
she has always been peculiar and had expressed a wish not to see 
you until our wedding day. There was no answer to my remarks 
and they were s oon forgotton as we drifted into easy and pleasant 
conversation. I will not weary you by relating the incidents that 
occurred from the day of Mr. Lawson's arrival. Suffice it to say, 
that had I not been blind, I should have known that a deep and 
absorbing love had been kindled in the heart of my gentle sister 
— a love that was returned with all the ardor and devotion, natu- 
ral to so impulsive a nature as that possessed by Mr. Lawson. 
But I saw nothing of this and moved blindly on, seeming to tread 
over thornless roses whose fragrance bewildered and intoxicated 
me. This was the condition of affairs until within three days of 
the time appointed for our marriage. 

It had been a warm and rather oppressive day, and as the shades 
of evening fell, I walked out to enjoy the refreshing breeze. I was 
alone; indulging in bright dreams of the future ; my thoughts 
w r ere mostly of Eunice, the advantages I would give her. She 
was young, and very beautiful, and I rejoiced to think it would be 
in my power to make her life so smooth and fair as to obliterate 
all thought of the past. Letting my thoughts have the widest 
range, I wandered on and on, until I grew weary, then looking 
around I found myself near a little arbor. It was there I first 
listened to words of love that stirred the very depths of my soul. 
Resting on a rustic seat, I was soon lost in sweet dreams of that 
mysterious power that had wrought such a change in my life. 
I had not remained long when aroused by the murmur of voices, 



$6 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



but was too much absorbed with my own thoughts to heed them* 
until I heard my name pronounced in an excited manner. This, 
restored me, for I recognized the voice of Mr. Lawson, he was. 
speaking quite loud and hurriedly. 

" Emily!" he exclaimed, ''yes, I know all you would say ; but 
listen, you have promised to hear what I have to relate. My 
childhood and youth were cold and dark, not one sweet memory 
lingers to bless my manhood. Early cast upon my own resour- 
ces I struggled with poor health, friendless, and alone ; but my 
unyielding will conquered at last; close application and unwearied 
industry, raised me to the position I now occupy. In all these 
years, and in all the struggles through which I have passed I have 
been alone. The sweet voice of friendship I never knew, but, 
believe me, Eunice, I have ever been honest and honorable, ever 
following the path of duty, neither seeking nor asking for favors. 
I came here to recuperate my exhausted energies ; fate threw me 
into the society of your amiable sister; I was pleased with her 
quiet, modest disposition, her clear, well balanced mind. Friend- 
ship wove her silken cords around me; I misunderstood it, I 
thought I loved her; nay, do not reprove me, remember your 
promise and hear me through. It is possible that I might have 
passed through life without recognizing the difference between 
friendship and love, had I never met with you. When I first 
looked upon your wondrous beauty, I knew that you exerted a 
strange and to me incomprehensible power over me. In spirit I 
worshiped you, your smile intoxicated me, the touch of your 
hand filled me with indescribable emotion; even then, I did not 
know that this was love, and believed that a more intimate ac- 
quaintance would still the tumultuous emotions of my heart, and 
my life would flow back to its old channel. It was like tearing 



EXPERIENCES IN EARTH LIFE. 57 

my heart out to leave you, you were with me, I saw you every- 
where ; your blue eyes looked at me from the flowers, your voice 
spoke in the breeze and the very clouds seemed to take on your 
form and personal appearance. Oh ! how my heart hungered for 
one word from you, but it came not, and when I returned, your 
icy reception was like a dagger thrust. 

What my life has been for the last few weeks, I leave you to 
imagine, but I beg that you will remember' I had no thought of 
injuring Emma. I had never dreamed of breaking my engage- 
ment with her, I am proud of my honor, and these lips would 
have carried the secret to the grave but for a strange revelation 
received last night. I was never more unhappy ; for the event 
which is so rapidly approaching was so revolting to my finer and 
truer sense that it seemed at times death would be preferable. 
Eunice, I do not ask for your love, I dare not hope for it, I only 
wish you to place yourself in my position, think of me as kindly 
as you can ; do not blame me for loving you, I could not control it ! 

Last night as I lay in an agony of mind never before experienced, 
I became conscious of a dizzy, sinking sensation; I thought I was 
dying, but, it soon passed away, leaving me calm and quiet as an 
infant. My mind was clear, and thoughts seemed pouring in up- 
on me from some external source. I saw that what I had esti- 
mated honor was but a sham, that my life was black with false- 
hood, that if I permitted myself to carry forward this deception, 
my future life would be a wretched failure, each day would bring 
out a renewal of soulless professions, our home would be joyless, 
our union but a matter of form. Startled by these thoughts, so 
new and strange, I resolved to go to Emily at once, and have the 
marriage deferred, but finally decided to first see you." 

He paused, and I, paralyzed with grief and anger, heard a hard, 



58 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



cold voice, which it was difficult to imagine belonged to Eunice, 
ask in reply : 

"What do you propose to do?" 

He answered: "Honor, justice to myself will compel me to 
break the engagement with your sister, and may I — may I hope," 
— here the hard, cold voice interrupted him saying: 

"May you hope for happiness ! You who have awakened the 
love of as pure and noble a woman as ever lived! You sought her 
in her quiet retreat and vowed to love and cherish until death! 
you saw another, and a second love sprang into being ; what as- 
surance have you that it will be more lasting than the first? An- 
other face may banish the memory of the second. Your sense of 
honor must be strangely defective to have caused the revelation you 
speak of! It was your happiness, your home, your well-being, that 
you thought of; not one thought of Emily ! Nothing of the heart 
flung back all crushed and bleeding! Nothing of the cruel taunt 
of society because of a broken engagement ! Nothing of the slight 
thus cast upon her! Honor (?) bids you to be frank when your 
happiness is at stake ! You have asked me to hear you and save 
my sister from sorrow, have asked me for sympathy and advice! 
Hear then! Your revelation was but the projection of your own 
selfish nature. The second love, is but the result of a psychologi- 
cal influence. When I am removed it will abate. You were at- 
tracted through my beauty. Your love for Emily was spiritual, 
central; if you renounce it, you will ruin yourself and her! The 
fascination which I have unconsciously thrown around you, will 
fade before the increasing brightness of Emma's love ! Forget this 
interview, forget your foolish dream ; let the preparations for the 
wedding proceed ; the time will come when you will thank me 
for my plain words. Go now; not another word; go seek Emily; 
you have left her too long!" 






EXPERIENCES IN EARTH LIFE. 59 

He attempted to answer, but the commanding voice again bade 
him "Go!" The next moment I heard his retreating steps, and 
soon a low moan, and a sound as though some one had fallen to 
the earth. I knew it was Eunice, but I was so paralyzed that I 
could not move. As soon as I could gain control of my half 
crazed brain I went to look for Eunice. She was gone, and I 
made my way to the house, shut myself in my room, and gave 
vent to the anger, pride and scorn which at first asserted their 
sway ; but, at last, I was forced to acknowledge to myself that I 
loved him, and I would not give him up. Yes, I felt that Eunice 
was right. He did really love me, and had only been bewildered 
by her beauty. I felt sure that in time I would regain possession 
of his heart, and I was determined that the marriage should not 
be postponed. The next day Mr. Lawson was tender and affection- 
ate; Eunice was confined to her room by illness. Neither of 
them mentioned what had passed, and three days afterward, Mr. 
Lawson and I were married. Eunice was unable to attend the 
wedding, and begged us to start at once to our city home, leaving 
her in the care of friends. Knowing all, I deemed it best, but 
when I bade her farewell, I little thought that years would pass 
before we met again. 



CHAPTER IX. ' 

Can Love Be Won — The 'Gulf Widens — Eunice — A Circle Of Spirits — Life Saved 
By Spirit Power — The Law Of Love — Alone Ln The World. 

"It may be that I shall forget my grief; 
It may be time has good in store for me ; 
It may be that my heart will find relief 
From sources now unknown. Futurity 
May bear within its folds some hidden spring, 
From which will issue blessed streams ; and yet 
What e'er of joy the coming years may bring, 
The past — the past — I never can forget." 

HEREDITARY tendency and educational bias, greatly retard 
the reception of new truths; especially is this the case with 
those principles which pertain to the social and religious 
life of man. It was long before experience and observation 
taught the utter uselessness of opposing the forces which control 
the life ; hard to believe that man was at the mercy of unseen 
powers, tossed hither and thither as remorselessly as the autumn 
leaf; yet such is the case. The determining power of individual- 
ized spirit is effective only when operating in harmony with the 
mighty forces of the universe. I did not believe this, I strove 
with all the energy and skill of woman to break or overcome the 
power which had estranged the affections of my loved one ; fully 
believing that time was all that was necessary to produce this 
effect. Five years I lived faithful to this thought, using every 
means in my power to win back the love which I believed 
really belonged to me ; each year had but widened the gulf be- 




EXPERIENCES IN EARTH LIFE. 



tween us. There was no unkindness, no neglect, but a coldness 
had crept into his heart which I in vain strove to change. Close- 
ly applying himself to business in which he had been successful, 
he seemed to draw more and more away from the influence of 
home. At last a quiet reserve, almost a settled sadness, had tak- 
en possession of him. When at home, all leisure time was spent 
in his library and I was compelled to confess the utter failure of 
my hopes. Our home was cold, dull and cheerless ; yet I never 
for a moment thought of relinquishing my right to the man I 
loved. 

Alas ! I did not then realize that 

"Love is a celestial harmony. 
Of likely hearts, composed oi stars consent, 
Which join together in sweet sympathy, 
To work each other's joy and true content.'' 

Five years, since I parted from Eunice ; during that time her 
letters had been few and reserved. She finished her musical ed- 
ucation and after several changes had entered a family as gover- 
ness. Three years after our separation, she had written that she 
was about to accompany the family to Europe, and that circum- 
stances would prevent her visiting us before her departure. I did 
not attempt to change her determination ; in fact it was a relief to 
know that the ocean would roll between us. She wrote of her 
safe arrival in London and I heard no more of her for two years. 

It was the anniversary of our marriage and I determined to 
make one more effort to awaken the lifeless heart of my husband. 
Arrayed in my most becoming attire, just before the dinner hour, 
I entered the library. Having seldom intruded upon his hours 
of quiet he seemed surprised and annoyed by my unexpected ap- 
pearance; but quickly recovering self-control, he enquired if there 
was anything I desired? Stung by his formality I replied, nothing; 



62 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



I merely came to remind you that this was the anniversary of our 
wedding. He said he had not forgotton it, and was about to 
continue when a servant entered with letters. There was one in 
an unfamiliar hand writing for me. A strange foreboding filled 
my mind as I broke the envelope and read the following words : 
"Your sister is dying: Come to her at once." 

The paper dropped from my trembling hands and unable to ex- 
plain my emotion, I said, read, read! One glance at the letter and 
my husband was on his feet. "Quick, be ready, we must start in 
an hour! Two days and a night, before we can reach her," he ex- 
claimed in an excited manner. 

Oh, those long, long hours, in which it seemed was com- 
passed the sorrow, bitterness and self-reproach of a life time ! 
At last the mask was torn off. I saw my selfishness, my neg- 
lect, I felt that I had been the cause of the death of the only 
one that had ever truly loved me. In proportion as I sank 
in my own estimation, Eunice arose; her virtue and self-abne- 
gation showing in vivid contrast with the traits of my own 
character. During the journey my husband was silent and 
apparently absorbed in thought. 

It was evening when we arrived at the little village where we 
were informed we should find Eunice. We went at once to the 
house, the family had expected us, and we were conducted to a 
room adjoining the one occupied by the invalid. "Don't be 
shocked," said the -nurse, "you may as well know the truth, the 
physicians say she cannot live until morning. She has been call- 
ing for you more than a week, but she won't know you now!" 
I passed into the room and could scarcely recognize my once 
beautiful sister in the emaciated form before me. The iarge eyes 



EXPERIENCES IN EARTH LIFE. 63 

wandered around the room as though in quest of some one they 
could not find ; the feverish lip's muttered incoherently. 

Eunice, dear Eunice, look at me, I cried ! Say that you forgive 
me, I am your sister Emily! 

"Emily, Emily?" she repeated, "Emily was a name I used to 
wear in my heart, but it turned to iron ! It was so heavy!" 

In vain were all my efforts to recall her wandering reason. 
Weary, heart sick, I sought my husband. She is dying, I said, 
in reply to the question his lips could not frame ; go look upon 
her for the last time ! With rapid and nervous step he passed into 
the next room and I sank upon a lounge and poured forth my 
sorrow in bitter tears and sobs. I was aroused by the nurse put- 
ting her hand upon me. in whispered tones she said, "go and see !" 
pointing to the room which my husband had just entered. I 
went quickly to the door and there beheld a sight which paralyzed 
all my senses and held me spell bound. 

During the five years of our married life, neither my mother, 
or the Phantom Form had ever been visible, had never given me 
one cheering word. I was therefore unprepared for the sight 
that met my startled vision. My husband was on his knees by 
the bedside, holding the thin hands of the invalid; his face was 
transfigured, it shown with a brightness indescribable, and a gold- 
en halo surrounded his head. Around the bed stood many spir- 
its, joining hands so as to form a perfect circle. There were 
three who stood apart. One, the Phantom Form, was bending 
over Eunice ; another, a large, powerful spirit, whose garments 
shown like the bright rays of the sun, stood back of my husband 
with his hands extended over his head ; from his fingers passed 
rays of light which seemed to be absorbed and to impart their 
brightness to the kneeling form. Another powerful magnetic 



64 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



spirit was engaged in making passes over Eunice. The circle 
seemed to impart light and power to this spirit standing near to 
my husband, and from his hands it seemed to flow into the nerves 
of the now quiet Eunice. Soon her eyes closed and her breath- 
ing became natural. I waited quietly, thinking that there would 
soon be a change, but I was mistaken ; sweetly she slept and 
faithfully the ministering spirits performed their work. 

I finally became uneasy, the motionless attitude, the set feat- 
ures and rigid appearance of my husband alarmed me. I advanced 
quietly ; gently placed my hand upon him, calling his name. He 
moved not, gave no sign that he was conscious of my presence. 
I was about to make a second attempt, when the Phantom Form 
glided past and beckoned me to follow. Pointing to the door, 
she said in a low whisper, "Go !" I obeyed, for I dare not do 
otherwise. Hour after hour passed, and there was no change in 
the sick room. I passed from fear to despair; it seemed that 
both were going from me. 

The stars were fading from the sky, and the rosy light of 
morning shining in the East when the change came. I 
had returned and was passively watching them; Eunice turned 
her head and withdrew her hands. That moment my hus- 
band fell to the floor, cold, rigid and apparently lifeless. We 
sent at once for the physician, but before his arrival he had re- 
turned to consciousness, as weak and helpless, however, as a 
child. He asked no questions, made no remarks, only exclaimed 
"Saved !" Then sank into a deep sleep from which I did not at- 
tempt to arouse him. 

It was near the hour of noon when my husband awoke and en- 
tered the room. There was a light in his eye and an exaltation 
in his bearing that awed mc. Without speaking he drew a chair 



EXPERIENCES IX EARTH LIFE. 65 

to the bedside and again took the hands of Eunice. She started 
at his touch and opening her eyes, gazed long and wonderingly 
at the radiant face before her. Soon a faint flush tinged her brow 
and a smile of recognition wreathed the pale lips. She murmur- 
ed, "I knew you would come!" "Eunice do not talk, you are very 
ill ; rest, I will guard you !" was my husbands reply ; her eyes 
-closed and she was soon again sleeping sweetly. But why linger 
•over the details of those hours ? The danger was passed, but it 
would require many weeks to restore her to health. I rejoiced 
in the prospect of her returning life, for it seemed' like a restora- 
tion from the dead. For many weeks I waited upon her with 
>care, but there was one, more attentive than I. who seemed to an- 
ticipate her every wish, and even thought, before expressed. My 
-anxiety for Eunice and deep sorrow for my selfish and suspicious 
behavior toward her, had banished all jealousy from my heart 
The sweet, childlike joy manifested by Eunice in the presence of 
my husband, found an echo in my soul. Well as I thought I 
understood the mystery of love, I failed to comprehend its won- 
derful power upon my husband, he was transformed ; every leaf, 
bud and flower possessed a charm ; his soul was filled with 
Ibeauty and everything received the baptism that exalted and glo- 
rified him. 

Many weeks passed before the first shadow clouded the fair 
sky. Eunice was setting by the open window, enjoying the fra 
.grance of the evening air, her fingers toying with the dark locks of 
him, whose eager face was always turned toward her. I was sit- 
ting alone, neglected, if not forgotten by the happy lovers. A 
pang shot through my heart as I watched them and resolved that 
this familiarity must cease. I was mortal and could not endure 
to see all attention, thought, love, go to another. That night I 



66 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



urged my husband to go to our home, saying Eunice is improv- 
ing rapidly and no longer requires the time and attention of both r 
our home is neglected, your business suffering; adding, that I 
would soon follow. He replied, "We may lose something by our 
protracted absence, but consider what we have gained ; Eunice 
will soon be able to travel, then we will all go." He spoke frank- 
ly, there was no attempt on the part of either to conceal their 
deep love. I said no more, but waited; my soul growing each, 
day darker ; the old nature trying hard to assert its supremacy. 
It came at last! Eunice had so improved that preparations were 
making for our departure, I, suffering the tortures of a jealousy I 
dare not express. 

"O, jealousy, 
Thou ugliest fiend of hell, thy healthful venom 
Preys on my vitals, turns the deadly hue 
Of my fresh cheek to haggard shallowness, 
And drinks my spirits up." 

The evening preceding our departure, returning from a short 
walk I found my husband and Eunice sitting in the moonlight 
conversing in low, earnest tones. I was about to leave them alone- 
when my husband called: "Emily, come here, I have something 
to say to you !" He then gave me the history of his early life as 
he had once given it to Eunice, speaking of his friendship for me 
and his love for her; our loveless, hopeless condition. He blamed 
himself for being the cause of this disappointment and unhappi- 
ness ; pictured in glowing colors his self-struggle, and the pro- 
tracted and useless effort he had made to tear the memory of Eu- 
nice from his heart, and to love me as he had loved her. His 
depression, loss of health, loss of interest in life,and the utterly hope- 
less state, into which he was sinking when summoned to Eunice. He 



EXPERIENCES IN EARTH LIFE. 6j 

spoke of the "revelation" made to him in which the sinfulness of 
marrying rrie was made clear, then referred to his death-like trance 
at the bedside of Eunice ; of the spirits who had aided him in 
transfusing the aura from his own life into her exhausted and 
almost lifeless form. Then he ( spoke of a revelation received 
while in the trance which came from one who claimed he had been 
seen by Eunice and myself and had given us a communication on 
the subject of love. He had also said that Eunice and I were 
united by the highest and purest affection ; that no power in the 
universe could lessen or change our regard for each other, that 
our external union might be deferred, but that the laws of God 
bound us so closely, that some time, all obstacles would be re- 
moved. He spoke of you, Emily; said your affection for me was 
not conjugal love, that it would lessen and finally be entirely 
erased ; that there was one who had seen and loved you, to him 
you belonged; that eventually you would comprehend the great 
law of spiritual attraction, and be thankful that you were saved 
from a permanent union with one who could never answer the 
demands of your nature. 

My husband then talked long and earnestly upon what he 
called the "law of love;" but every word was like a poisoned ar- 
row to my soul. I strove hard for self-control, but in vain, and at 
last throwing aside all attempt to disguise my feelings, I replied : 
All this is for the purpose of having me say that I am willing to 
yield my interests, love and right to you, to break the sacred tie 
of marriage and give my husband to another — to one you loved 
when you came with a lie on your lips and in your heart, vowing 
love and fidelity to me. Your sophistry shall not becloud my in- 
tellect. You have succeeded in making me wretched, but you 
shall not bask in the sunshine of another love, while I am writhing 



68 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



in darkness and agony. Your story of another who will love and 
beautify my life, is well gotten up ; but if it emanated from a spirit, 
it was an evil and designing one that your black heart has attracted; 
better say it is a dream of your own. I now understand you, and 
you will understand me when I say that I will never relinquish my 
legal right to you. 

I left them and sought the quiet of my own room. My brain 
seemed on fire, I could not think, nor did I note the flight of time 
until the light of morning was in my room, when I slept, slept till 
the sun was high. Wakening, my sorrow seemed a great load upon 
my heart. I went into the next room, all was quiet, the very air 
seemed oppressive. Trembling with apprehension I sat down near 
the window ; the servant entered bringing two letters, saying : "I 
found them in the library and Mrs. sent them to you." I received 
them without a word, for husband's well-known hand writing re- 
vealed the truth — he had gone, and Eunice too. I had strength to 
reach my room, but it was many days before I could read the let- 
ters that separated me forever from those I loved so well, and 
left me again alone in the world. 



CHAPTER X. 

The Letters — Man, The Result Of Unseen Forces — An Aimless Life — Death Fore- 
told — Spirit Advice Rejected — The Result — My Sudden Departure From Earth 
"The Gods are just ; 
But how can finite measure infinite ? 
Whatever is, is in its causes just, 
Since all things are by fate, but poor blind man 
Sees but a part of the chain, the nearest link, 
His eyes not carrying to that equal beam 
That poises all above." 

|| j»EAR EMILY:— It is the still hour of midnight; the 
i ; gA./- sighing night winds, the chirp of insects and the loud 
X ticking of my watch are the only sounds that break the 
$ almost death like stillness of the hour. I can almost 
hear the rustle of angel garments as their etherial forms move to 
and fro in the moonlight. I had hoped that these angel watchers 
would inspire and guide me in this turning point in my existence. 
But hope and prayers have been unavailing. Upon me rests the 
responsibility of deciding the important question that is to make 
or destroy the earthly happiness of three persons. Yes, dear 
Emily, three immortal souls with lofty aspirations and boundless 
capacity will look to this hour for the impetus that is to urge them 
forward into broader and more expanded views of life and its ul- 
timate. I will not shrink from the task, but take up the broken 
threads of my life and endeavor to unite them. 

"I have spoken clearly and definitely of my feelings upon this 



JO THE PHANTOM FORM. 



subject, therefore have little to add, save upon general principles. 
I need not repeat my regrets for the past ; you must realize more 
fully than words can express how deep they are.. The question 
pressing for an answer is this, shall we submit to conditions which 
our ignorance or folly have produced? Shall we three spend the 
remainder of life regretting the past and sighing for the happiness 
which we have not the courage to grasp. Long, careful and de- 
liberate thought has yielded the answer I now give you. Every 
individual is the result of unseen and little comprehended forces 
of the universe. In man is found only the combinations of atoms and 
the result of mentalities which have existed in myriads of forms 
and conditions. In nature it is the unconscious, unthinking force ; 
in man the gradually matured reason guides the otherwise dis- 
cordant forces. It is man's province to control, and mould mat- 
ter. It is also his province to work out and control his own des- 
tiny. Without the guiding star, the logic of the brain, the three 
lives that have come so near shipwreck would be lost in the piti- 
less storm and the impenetrable darkness that envelopes them. 
Reason points the way to the green valleys and peaceful streams 
where each may advance along the line of individual progression, 
ultimating in that restful condition, the crowning joy of earth. 
Emily, you and I have sought the sunny isle in vain, no balm 
laden breezes reached our souls, no strain of heavenly music 
prophesied of brighter years. Despair had folded its dark wings 
around my life, and you too were unhappy. I thought to talk 
calmly with you to-night of my plans for the future, but your 
angry voice and flashing eye silenced me. I had hoped for a 
tranquil separation, finding that impossible, I take the only step 
that is left for me. First returning to our home and leaving my 
property in care of a trusted friend. You shall have all. There 



EXPERIENCES IN EARTH LIFE. 7 I 

is more than enough to keep you comfortable for life ; all I ask 
in return is, that you consent to a peaceful disunion. Yet, I 
realize that this request is useless, you will not, for you cannot 
see this subject as I do ; nor understand, that according to the 
eternal laws of God we do not, never can belong to each other. 
I ask for my liberty, but to obtain it shall bring no charge against 
you, nor will I violate the laws of right that you may have cause 
to apply for the freedom which I so fully grant. Emily, I have 
wronged you, do not fear that I shall ever wrong another. I 
.shall wait until time has taught you the great lesson so strongly 
imparted to me. I go away alone ; shall write to you once more, 
but it is not probable that we shall ever meet again. You, I re- 
spect, Eunice I worship! When the sunlight falls across your way 
and the fingers of idolatrous love shall sweep your heart strings, 
then you will appreciate our feelings. Eunice is an angel of purity 
and goodness, and I am fully satisfied that she is my eternal com- 
panion. Dear Emily, forgive the past and forget it as soon as 
may be. I shall ever remember your kindness with gratitude. 
Eunice is writing; what I have omitted she will supply. Emily, 
farewell ! I feel assured that this parting which now seems so 
cruel will be a blessing in disguise. Ever your friend, 

Lawson." 
"Dear Sister Emily ! — There are many things I would say to 
you, but the painful embarrassment consequent upon the position 
I occupy will prevent the presentation of my thoughts as fully and 
clearly as I desire. I need not refer to the sisterly affection which 
brightened and blessed our childhood ; to the kindness which in- 
spired you to receive to your heart, one who had been deserted 
and led to the very verge of destruction. The nobility and self 
sacrificing spirit you manifested, made a deep and lasting impres- 



72 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



sion upon me, and welded more firmly the links in the beautiful' 
chain of affection. I will not weary you by dwelling upon the 
horror that seized me when I discovered, what I then looked upon 
as an unholy love, had taken possession of me. The hand you 
had caressed was raised to stab you, the viper you had warmed 
into life was about to turn upon its benefactor! Dark and appal- 
ling was the picture drawn by the delicate fingers of love. My 
resolution was formed ; God and angels know how earnestly I 
struggled to keep it! Mr. Lawson has told you of the event that 
occurred before your marriage. At that time I thought I had torn 
from my heart every motive that could quicken it into action, 
every seed that could be warmed to life. I had dashed from my 
lips the cup of happiness for your sake, I had welcomed darkness, 
loneliness, desolation ; yea, gladly consented to carry a dead heart 
in a living form, that the crowning joy of life might be yours. 
Of my life after your marriage I need not speak ; its struggles 
and heart sorrows are known to those whose watchful care has- 
ever been over me. 

This brings me to the time when I was about to pass to that 
land I had so long sighed for; again your hand snatched me from 
the grave. Language is inadequate to express my gratitude for 
your unwearied attention ; for you have indeed brought me from 
death unto life. But, oh my sister ! you do not know, and it is 
useless to attempt to describe the tide of emotion that swept 
through my being, when I recognized the presence of him from 
whom I believed myself forever separated. I will not pain your 
kind heart by portraying a depth of affection you have never 
known ; but I would like to tell you of the gradual recognition of 
great principles ; of their existence I was once ignorant. I realize 
that you are not prepared to accept of anything I might say upon 



EXPERIENCES IN EARTH LIFE. 73 

this point although you have admitted that for five years you 
hoped and struggled to obtain the love of your husband. Your 
saddened spirit, joyless home, listless, and almost aimless existence 
proves how great the failure has been. Ask your own heart, 
would it be well to have this struggle continue through earth life? 
What God has united, no man, no institution or law can put as- 
sunder. Neither is man capable of forming ties sufficiently strong 
to bind and bless those whom God has not joined! How long I 
was blind to this great fact, but how clearly I see it now. Emily, 
the time must surely come when you will rise above the narrow 
prejudices which hold you. You must see that permanent, true 
love is reciprocal, you and Mr. Lawson must eventually drift 
apart; the earlier this truth dawns upon you, the better it will be 
for all. Knowing you as I do, I feel sure you will put aside the 
legal bonds that holds .you to one to whom you have no right. 
I know you will suffer, and gladly would I stay to comfort and 
bless you, but I fear my presence will only annoy you. Sould 
you need my help, or be willing to accept my sympathy, a letter 
directed to the family with whom I have so long made my home 
will reach me. I go into retirement to gain the strength I so 
much need and to await your decision. Sister do not judge me 
too harshly ; wait for the light that will surely come. Ever your 
loving sister, Eunice." 

Nothing new was revealed by these letters, yet they produced 
a terrible shock. For weeks I lingered between life and death ; 
a strong constitution prevailed and reason returned. As it came back 
the little form that had been constantly at my bed side, the soft 
hand that had soothed my brow, withdrew, and in its place was 
the faithful nurse who had cared for Eunice. I questioned her in 



74 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



regard to the other, but receiving no satisfaction, turned my atten- 
tion to other subjects. One thought was clear and well defined 
in my brain, my husband had asked for his freedom that he 
might be happy with another. Never, never could I consent ! If 
I must suffer, they should suffer with me. 

I returned to my desolate home, secluded myself from all so- 
ciety, spent we'eks and months wandering from room to room, as 
wretched and miserable a being as ever lived. At the end of a 
year my mother appeared to me ; her looks and words convinced 
me that her sympathies were with my husband, therefore, I re- 
fused to receive anything from her. Each day I grew more selfish 
and morbid ; I consoled myself only with the thought, that others 
were as unhappy as I. My health was failing and at the close of 
the second year my mother again appeared. After trying to 
draw me away from my gloomy life she said : " You will not live 
on earth much longer, drive this selfishness and jealousy from 
your soul and prepare to come up higher." 

This announcement angered me ; I resolved that I would not 
die and thus permit others to triumph. From that day I entered 
upon a new existence. My house was thrown open, the rooms 
filled with sympathising friends. The change worked like magic. 
Before the close of the third year I was in perfect health ; never 
had I been so pleasing in my person. I resolved to go to my 
husband and see if time, and the change wrought in me would 
not bring the love I craved. I was preparing for the journey 
when my mother appeared. There was a look of anxiety upon 
her face as she said : " Emily, desist, if you do not, you will hasten 
your own destruction ! I have told you this trial is for a purpose 
and out of it will spring roses whose fragrance will sweeten many 
a life." Her words and earnest manner failed to change my pur- 



EXPERIENCES IN EARTH LIFE. 75 

pose and the preparations were continued ; another day, and all 
would be complete. 

It was a bright, clear autumn day when for the last time I or- 
dered my pet horse brought to the door ; one more ride through 
the bright tinted forests, and then I would trust him to other 
hands until my return. Even now, from the hights of spirit life, 
I look back with pleasure to the beauty of that morning. I had 
been out an hour or more and was leisurly returning, when the 
report of a rifle shot close by the way side startled my horse. 
He sprang forward and rushed on regardless of all my efforts to 
control or keep him in the road so often followed. On he flew, 
becoming each moment more and more frightened, until by a 
sudden turn I was thrown to the ground ; my skirt became en- 
tangled and I was dragged some distance and when found was 
insensible. In this condition I remained until death closed my 
eyes and they opened upon the realities of another life. I died 
with all the energies of life bent upon accomplishing one purpose; 
I died with the fires of jealousy burning in my heart. Think you 
I awoke transformed ? Future chapters will reveal the facts. 

Many years had been passed in a physical form, yet the spirit 
was so dwarfed that it was not prepared to enter into the joys or 
harmonies of the inner temple. You who follow this experience 
will understand the necessity which held me, subsequent to death, 
so long within the magnetism of earth. No beauty of scenery, 
no desire for knowledge ; not even the pure love which I cher- 
ished for my mother, could break that powerful spell which had 
woven itselfaround me. It was not the physical that was jeal- 
ous, that loved, that was ignorant of the meaning of life ; it was 
the spirit. The physical is an evolution from the cruder forms of 
matter, the spirit is an evolution, an individualization of what you 



7 6 



THE PHANTOM FORM. 



term the forces of the universe. Good, harmony, happiness are 
evolutions from sin, evil and discord. In the majority of cases 
this last and greatest change comes after the death of the physi- 
cal body. Future chapters will illustrate this better than I can 
now explain it. 



V 



/ 



5: 






THERE IS NO DEATH. 



There is no death ! The stars go down 

To rise upon some fairer shore, 
And bright in heaven's jewelled crown 

They shine for evermore. 

There is no death ! The dust we tread 

Shall change beneath the summer showers 

To golden grain or mellow fruit, 
Or rainbow tinted flowers. 

The granite rocks disoi-ganize 

To, feed the hungry moss they bear ; 

The fairest leaves drink daily life 
From out the viewless air. 

There is no death ' The leaves may fall, 
The flowers may fade and pass away, 

They only wait through wintry hours 
The coming of the May. 

And ever near us, though unseen, 
The dear immortal spirits tread ; 

For all the boundless universe 
Is life ; there ai-e no dead. 



EXPERIENCES IN SPIRIT LIFE. 



IP^IRT SECOND. 



CHAPTER I. 

My First Awakening— Dead! Am I Dead?— What I Saw And Heard— My Mother 
The First To Meet Me — Power Of Earthly Love — Mother, Where Am I? — Ar- 
bor Of Repose — Deeply Interesting Questions Answered — A Journey — Traveling 
In Spirit Life — Undeveloped Spirits Controlled — Do Spirits Get Weary — Spirit 
Always Connected With Matter — Gcnzalo, The Spirit Teacher — A Grove Meet- 
ing In Spirit Life — Gonzald's Oration. 

" Can it be ? 
Matter immortal? And shall spirit die ? 
Above the nobler, shall less nobler rise ? 
Shall man alone, for whom all else revives, 
No resurrection know? Shall man alone, 
Imperial man ! be sown in barren ground, 
Less privileged than grain, on which he feeds?" 



jyrv WEEK passed after the event recorded in the last chapter, 
^A^V) before consciousness dawned upon my benumbed and dead- 
ened faculties. The memory of that awakening is like the 
faint echo of far off music. I lay with half closed eyes en- 
joying the beautiful sights, delicious odors and sweet sounds that 
surrounded me. From this delightful, visionary mood, I slowly 



80 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



drifted back to the full possession of conscious being, and realized 
that I was not dreaming, not gazing upon a vision, but surrounded 
by realites. I examined with intense interest the profusion of 
wonderfully beautiful flowers that attracted my attention. The 
vast apartment was literally alive with these children of beauty. 
The walls were semi-transparent, and in places, literally covered 
with feathery mosses and fine, delicate vines, trained in forms of 
artistic elegance. Among the bright, green moss, gleamed little 
golden flowers, so arranged as to form words : " repose," " rest," 
" peace," " love ;" these and many others, sometimes whole sen- 
tences were apparently growing in the strangely illuminated walls. 
The light falling through tinted windows was soft and mellow, 
rustic chairs and lounges cushioned with moss, were seen as far 
as the eye could reach. A soft, velvety carpet covered the floor, 
while the vaulted ceiling which had at first attracted my attention 
was of a deep blue, spangled by golden stars, their beauty half 
veiled by silvery cloudlets, such perfect copies from nature, that 
one could readily imagine himself gazing at the sky. The air of 
this splendid apartment was filled with fragrance, and melodious 
with soft, sweet strains of distant music, mingled with the murmur 
of the fountains, and the song of many golden-winged birds flitting 
among the flowers. It was sweet, natural, restful ; and long I rev- 
eled in the delight that this sphere of beauty imparted. 

At last the question, how came I here ? disturbed my tranquility 
of mind. I closed my eyes and tried to recall the past. Slowly the 
bygone years came back ; childhood ; the poverty and inharmony 
of our home, the stern, hard man I called father; the pale, patient 
suffering mother ; the bright, sweet Eunice ; the appearance of 
the Phantom Form ; the death of my little brother and mother. 
Each event was as clear and distinct as the realty had been, and 



EXPERIENXES IN SPIRIT LIFE. 8 I 

each scene awoke the peculiar feelings and emotions that had be- 
longed to it ; every event of earth-life was depicted with perfect 
clearness, and I can truthfully say that I lived over again every 
phase of the existence I passed through, up to the very closing 
.scene. Until this was presented, I had not realized that I was 
dead ; for memory did not go in advance of the scenes depicted. 
Dead ! I startingly exclaimed, and wringing my hands in 

• despair, with one bound I sprang to my feet and pulled aside the 
swaying vines that partially concealed a crystal mirror. No, I 
was not dead ! The delicate features, the finely rounded form, 
smooth, white skin, long and darkly shining hair, large lustrous 

*eyes, rich, full lips; this picture spoke of life and beauty, and for 

a time I thought of nothing but the wonderful transformation, and 
I reveled in the contemplation of a beauty so long coveted. But 

• at last I came to the conviction that I was of the earth no more ! 
The beauty was at once valueless, and from that moment there 
was a settled determination to return to earth again, and rest not, 
'until he who was the sun of my life, should be free from the meshes 
.that had been woven around him, and bow before her whose beauty, 

now far surpassed that of the pale-faced Eunice. 

Do you think it strange that a desire to re-enter the shadows 
of earth should have found its way to that peaceful abode? That 
a love that had stung me almost to madness should be more po- 
tent than the uplifting love of a mother? While thinking how best 
to broach this subject to my mother, who I felt sure would en- 
■deavor to detain me, she entered, accompanied by two spirits 
whom I had known in earth life. They greeted me as one arisen 
from the dead/ and painted in glowing colors the beauty of the 
world they lived in. I was glad to meet these friends, especially 
rthe sainted mother, whose youth and beauty astonished me, being 



82 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



far superior when seen in a spirit world, by spirit vision, than 
when looked upon through the murky atmosphere of earth. Her 
robe was of soft, silvery brightness, falling around her perfect form' 
in wavy outlines. The light of the mother love had not faded 
from her face. She placed the hand of her child in mine and 
whispered his angel name. How tall he had grown, so perfect in 
proportion! Ah, mothers, if you could but. see the happy change 
wrought in your little ones, when borne away to the gardens of 
paradise you would no longer grieve without hope ! 

As soon as possible I signified my desire to be alone with 
mother. It was granted and we sat upon one of the rustic seats, 
and enjoyed a sweet communion. In giving me a history of her 
experience in spirit life, to my astonishment she did not mention 
the spirit known as the Phantom Form. At the close of the recital,, 
she said: 

" Now, my dear Emily, I know all that is within your heart — 
the great longing that has taken possession of you. It is my duty 
to try and draw you from this earth attraction ; it is at best, but 
temporary. The trials you have passed through, as I once told 
you, were for a purpose, a purpose you cannot yet understand ;. 
but, be assured my child, the sooner you break this attraction, the 
better for you. He is on earth, you in the spirit world! He a 
mortal, you a spirit! The effort to cross the gulf that separates 
you, will but add to your sufferings, and will lengthen the time 
that must pass before you are freed from the entanglement of mag- 
netic conditions and are prepared for higher fields of usefulness.' 1 ' 

My mother paused for an answer; her words had failed to 
change my purpose. The spirit world was nothing to me; the 
society of angels, even the pursuit of knowledge, was as dust and 
ashes to one whose every thought centered in another plane of 



EXPERIENCES IN SPIRIT LIFE. 83 

exis tence. Reading the decision in my face, my mother said : 

" My child, it shall be as you wish ; if you can only acquire 
kno wledge through bitter experience, you shall return, but not at 
pre sent; you are weak, need rest and strength, be content to tarry 
with us a time. There is one I would have you meet, one who 
has watched for your coming and will have something to say to 
you before your return to earth; rest now my child; to-morrow 
you shall meet my friend and go for a time to my pavilion. Ah, 
it will be long, long before you will again look upon it ! " 

Don't go yet ! There are many questions I would like to ask in 
regard to the new life that has been so suddenly forced upon me. 
In answer to my request my mother seated herself by my side, 
and shaking down the delicate vines until they screened us from 
view, said : 

" Now my child, be as brief as possible ; to-morrow you will 
be stronger and better prepared for the consideration of subjects 
which at present seem wrapped in mystery." 

First, dear mother, where am I ? I mean in what part of the 
spirit world? 

" This temple is called the Arbor of Repose. It is situated in 
the Southern portion of the lovely valley of Zayat." 

That signifies a place of rest for travelers ! is this valley dedi- 
cated to that purpose ? 

" Many temples similar to the one you are now in, occupy beau- 
tiful sites, and are used for the reception and entertainment of 
those who pass suddenly from earth." 

What ! are all suicides, and all who die by accident brought to 
this place ? 

" No ! Many are received by friends and congenial associates in 
the sphere below this." 



84 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



Then this sphere is not the nearest to earth ? 

"No." 

Is this entire sphere devoted to the purpose to which the valley 
is dedicated ? 

" No, the Northern part is inhabited by a refined and intelligent 
class of persons whose most powerful attractions is toward the 
earth, which they frequently visit ; and there are also other class- 
es, some, dwarfed by earth experiences, others, angular, and un- 
balanced." 

Why do those spirits remain there ; are they held by physical 
force ? 

" The scenery is more beautiful than any your eyes ever looked 
upon, and their homes more attractive ; there, all the pleasures 
and benefits to be enjoyed by refined and delicate natures may be 
found. Spirits remain there because it is their will to do so; it is 
near the earth to which many of them cling with the deepest affec- 
tion ; while others who have outgrown the attraction that once 
held them, prefer to remain and acquire the knowledge and exper- 
ience they- should have gained on earth. 

Mother, is your home in that beautiful place ? 

" Not at present ; I remained there for years and have many 
warm friends who still linger there. Silver Star, better known to 
you as the Phantom Form, has never ascended beyond that lovely 
plane of life, nor can she, until her all-absorbing love for Eunice 
has ripened into a broad, humanitarian work." 

You have spoken of the spirits of that sphere, frequently return- 
ing to earth ; can they not as easily descend from other and higher 
planes ? 

" Certainly, but their mission is purified from all selfishness and 
is wholly for the good of humanity." 



EXPERIENCES IN SPIRIT LIFE. 85 

What class of spirits occupy the first sphere ? 

" The coarse, unrefined, and unfortunate; I mean those who on 
earth are termed low, depraved and wicked." 

Must I pass through that sphere in again returning to earth ? 

" Certainly not." 

It would seem that there could be little, if any, opportunity for 
improvement, where there is congregated all that is vile and low 
in nature? 

" That place has not been set apart for that class of spirits, they 
simply gravitate to it; nor is it* left like a plague'spot upon the 
glory and brightness of the Summer Land. Missionaries are con- 
stantly laboring to enlighten and heal the sin sick souls, and they 
are ever passing on to higher schools, in another portion of this 
sphere." 

Have they no high, strong laws that regulate and restrain these 
turbulent natures ? 

" Certainly, the sphere is not given over to their control, nor are 
they as vicious as when on earth; they do not have unlimited 
power when permitted to re-enter the magnetism of earth." 

Should I remain, where would be my home? 

" With the Phantom Form, until the attraction which now holds 
you was broken or had become mutual." 

It will never be broken ! Will I not have greater opportunity to 
strenghten and render permanent this love of my soul when near 
its object? 

" You can try. Experience is the best teacher," replied my 
mother, bending forward until the long wavy hair concealed the 
expression of her face. 

I will try, for I could never, never be happy here ! But, dear 
mother, you spoke of rest, do spirits grow weary ? 



86 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



" Spirit is never disconnected from matter ; the fine organization 
endures longer, but it too, requires its period of rest; and I have 
learned that this law holds good throughout all the realms of 
spirit existence." 

I should reason that the body that wearies, would sometime 
decay, I said, looking with admiration upon the clear, white face 
of my mother. 

" Yes, child, it is said there is a process analogous to death, but 
I have not seen it." 

How soon can I return? 

" Day after to-morrow." 

Day ! Do you have night here ? 

" Something that resembles it, a lesser light. And now my 
child, I leave you. Duties of which you will be apprised to-mor- 
row require my presence ; be calm, and remember that your sor- 
rows have planted seeds that will sink deep into many a human 
heart ; starting many a dormant mind into action and helping to 
prepare the way for a revolution which will agkate the stagnant 
waters and enable millions to cast off the yoke of slavery more 
terrible than death." 

Mother, you have hinted at this in your communications to me 
while on earth, what do you mean? 

" Child, you are not yet prepared to understand the significance 
of my words, neither am I competent to speak understandingly of 
the great movement, ere long to be inaugurated ; trust ! trust in 
the overruling power of goodness and justice; to-morrow you will 
see my humble efforts to work in unison with the circles of higher 
intelligences that are preparing to break in pieces the idols of man. 
I must now go, rest until to-morrow ! " 

How could I rest ! What strange meaning was concealed beneath 



EXPERIENCES IN SPIRIT LIFE. 8? 

her words ? Long I puzzled my brain over this question and at 

last let it drop and drifted in thought back to my old home. It 

was long, long before the active brain was still, and sweet sleep 

folded her pinions over my weary eyes. 

"Sleep, sleep ! be thine the sleep that throws 
Elysium o'er the soul's repose, 
Without a dream, save such as wind, 
Like midnight angels, through the mind." 

The song of birds, and the play of fountains called me back to 
the world of conscious life. Two spirits stood by my bed and 
smiled at my look of surprise. In a low, musical voice, one said : 

" We have been sent to prepare you for your journey ; will you 
•rise and go with us ? " 

I assented, and was conducted into a recess, off from the main 
apartment where the light fleecy garment I had so much admired 
was taken, and I was directed to pass through an arched doorway 
into another apartment. In the centre of the room, if I may call 
it a room, was a body of water, which on earth I would have 
called a little lake ; water as clear as crystal, so beautiful, that the 
vines and flowers which formed the walls of the room, were all 
reflected on its polished surface. The air was balmy and filled 
with most delicious fragrance. I soon perceived that it was in- 
tended for a bath and truly, I can say, that never had I enjoyed 
the like; the water imparted vitality, and the beauty and fragrance 
of every object filled me with a strange and rapturous delight. 
For a time I forgot everything but the object of existence. 

" So the whirlwind bore my spirit, 

But to lands that Saints inherit, 
And it seems my heart forever like a ruby cup runs o'er. 

I am blessed beyond all blessing 

And an Angels pure caressing 
FJows around my soul forever, like a stream around its shore." 



88 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



I remained sporting in the water until the angel called, request- 
ing me to prepare for our departure, friends were already waiting 
to accompany us. I was directed to pass into an alcove on the 
right ; there I found all that was essential ; the most delicate and 
beautiful wardrobe had been prepared, made of the finest and most 
perfect texture. Soft creamy lace that seemed too delicate to 
handle, something that I called linen, but lighter and finer, daz- 
zling my eye with its whiteness. I will not weary by giving a 
minute description of the toilette my mother had prepared. Suf- 
fice it to say, that the gossamer robe was of a bright, rose color,. 
trimmed with the finest lace and confined at the waist by a girdle 
of jewels. Everything from the dainty boots, to the snowy buds 
for my hair was perfect, and when I gazed for the last time in the 
long mirror, I felt that I had never dreamed of beauty so perfect. 
My angel friends threw a light mantle of silvery brightness about 
me and each taking a hand, led me toward a large mansion where 
they said we should meet our friends. 

O, the beauty and glory of that morning ! the delicious fra- 
grance, the soft, mellow light falling through the swaying branches 
of the magnificent trees under whose shadows we walked to the 
mansion from whose open windows music floated out to greet us. 

" How music charms ? How metre warms? 
Parent of actions good and brave ! 
How vice it tames ? and worth inflames 
And holds proud empire o'er the grave ! " 

We were met at the door by a young lady and her brother, 
once my scholars. I was surprised and delighted to see them, also 
two ladies who had been intimate friends during the first years of 
my married life. Knowing nothing of the skeleton in our home,, 
they enquired eagerly for my husband, and sympathised with me. 



EXPERIENCES IN SPIRIT LIFE. 



in the sorrow that must follow our brief separation. My guide 
seemed to notice these remarks were embarrassing, and suggested 
that we should enter the house where other friends were waiting. 
After being warmly received by the company, we passed out, 
over the soft, velvety grass and moved in line toward the bright 
expanse of water which lay sparkling in the sun -light. The inter- 
lacing branches of graceful trees formed a canopy, partially ex- 
cluding the light and protected us from the heat, to which I found 
myself exceedingly sensitive. We soon reached the silvery sand 
bordering the beautiful river. Beautiful ! indeed, the word will 
give but a faint conception of the broad shining water, its musical 
waves casting white blossoms and tinted shells at our feet, while 
swaying vines and bright flowers were laved in its crystal bosom. 
A number of small boats were waiting to receive us, their silken 
sails fluttering in the breeze, reminding me of the poets description : 

" The dainty boat like a pearly shell, 
Tinted and lined with a rose as well." 

Poetic imaginings contain more truth than is usually accorded 
to them ; so delicate and frail seemed these little barques that I 
hesitated before trusting myself to them. My friends smiled at 
my fears and asked lightly : "how Spirit could be destroyed ? " 
The meeting of familiar faces, the natural and easy conversation 
relating to events of the past, the beauty and harmony of our 
surroundings, the flashes of wit and joyous flow of mirth, put me 
at ease and for a time lightened the heavy load resting upon my 
heart. I had many questions to ask of deep interest to me, but 
I will not repeat them here ; enough to say, that after a most de- 
lightful sail we came in sight of the emerald shores, heard sweet 
strains of music and were soon gliding along past mansions whose 



90 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



magnificence must be seen to be appreciated. Green lawns slo- 
ping to the water's edge, statues and fountains gleaming among the 
dark leaves ; all, all so beautiful, that earth memories for the time 
were entirely erased. 

We landed and were met by my mother, accompanied by her 
friends, and the proud and happy glance bestowed upon me, gave 
assurance that the love of a mother burned with an added power 
in the heart of that fair, noble woman. She led us over the undu- 
lating banks where strangely shaped carriages awaited us. I was 
surprised by the fine appearance of the horses, their symmetry of 
form and beauty of color; some were white as snow, others of a 
rich cream color, and others shone ]ike polished steel ; nor was 
my astonishment lessened, when I noticed how easily those spirited 
animals were controlled. Observing my curious and bewildered - 
expression, my mother said : 

" You wonder at seeing animals in spirit life, and marvel at the 
ease and speed with which we are borne along." 

Yes I do wonder, their dainty feet seem to scarce touch the 
white, shining pebbles, they really appear to be treading the air, 
I replied. 

" You are hardly prepared, to understand the explanation I 
could give; wait, enjoy the beauty of your surroundings and by 
and by, another will answer your questions. My child, I do not 
at once take you to our pavilion, the number of people, the music ; 
the preparations you behold, were not made with special reference 
to your visit. We have a meeting here to-day; a gentleman, res- 
ident of the sphere you have just left, comes here from time to 
time to charm us with his eloquence, encourage us with pur work 
and unravel mysteries whose solution we have not yet reached. 
He is known by the name of Gonzalo, and in reality belongs in 



EXPERIENCES IN SPIRIT LIFE. 9 I 

this sphere, but for reasons which I will not now explain, he pre- 
fers to pursue his studies in the home he has so long occupied. 
His subject to-day is love. Listen my child and ponder well the 
words of wisdom you will hear." 

The wonderful steeds were now standing in the outskirts of a 
beautiful grove. Near by was a platform, literally covered with 
flowers, canopied with blue and white, and rustic scats were ap- 
propriately arranged. We alighted, my mother drew me near to 
the speakers' stand. Men and women were approaching from 
every direction and soon the entire grove was filled with an au- 
dience of beauty, intelligence and grace. I was strangely impressed 
by the purity, frankness and intelligence of the faces ; no expres- 
sion of sordid selfishness, jealousy or discontent. Soon the rich 
strains of music ceased, and from a distant group two gentlemen 
advanced toward the rostrum. 

I shall never forget the electric thrill that leaped from heart to 
brain, as I fixed my eyes for the first time in spirit life upon Gon- 
zalo, and recognized in the majestic form, the broad brow, the 
eagle eye, the firm mouth, the wavy, silken hair, the spirit that 
once came and communicated with Eunice and I. If he appeared 
perfect then, he now seemed to my dazed senses godlike ; and 
when the rich, mellow voice, was lifted in sweet, holy words of 
invocation, the eyes grew misty with the intensity of feeling and 
the white brow flushed with the glory of inspiration; then, the last 
tie that bound me to earth seemed to snap asunder and in spirit I 
fell at his feet. 

I will, not attempt to repeat any part of the oration ; it thrilled, 
exalted and transformed me ! I was born anew, and for the first 
time obtained a glimpse of the boundless wealth and deathless 
power of reciprocal affection ! He paused, my mother's clasp 



92 



THE PHANTOM FORM. 



tightened upon my hand and brought me back to a consciousness 
of my real condition. Her face was radiant when she presented 
her daughter to the orator, and again we were conducted to the 
carriage in waiting and were soon moving rapidly along through 
the most charming scenes the eye had ever rested upon. My 
mother, brother and Gonzalo accompanied me. His musical voice 
in the most poetic language, explained many things, and when 
the horses were checked in front of an immense marble edifice, 
and we ascended the broad avenue and stood for a moment look- 
ing up at its gleaming walls and crystal windows, I felt that this 
was heaven ; but, what had mother to do in that magnificient 
structure, how came she there, what meant the bright faces look- 
ing out upon me, and above all, what was the meaning of the 
mysterious power exerted upon me by Gonzalo; why did his 
touch thrill me, his eyes draw me like a magnet and his voice fill 
my soul with music? These questions will be answered hereafter. 




CHAPTER II. 

Mansions In Spirit Land — Luscious Fruit, As Real As Ln Earth Life — A Resort 
And Lts Use — Is The Distinction Of Sex Lost In Spirit Life ? 

" A dream sublime of a sunny clime, 

Whose balmiest breezes blow ; 
Whose mountains loom and landscapes bloom 

In God's eternal glow ! 
Give me my lyre ! I feel the fire, 

Unseen by mortal sight : 
Oh ! vision grand, of the summer land, 

I'm fainting in delight ! 
But words are weak when the soul would speak 

Of the angel home above ; 
Faint visions alone are to man made known, 

Of that dwelling of light and love." 

Y'T IS NOT my intention to give an elaborate description of 

.. (jAj, the stately mansion, nor dwell upon the elegance of its 

spacious apartments. This would require much time and 

like many things I must relate would tax your credulity, 

therefore I shall pass lightly over external surroundings, confining 

myself principally to instruction received. 

Ascending the marble steps we passed into the main entrance 
where I lingered to admire the rich and varied works of art, and 
not until my mother called, could I leave the delightful scene. 
Passing down the full length of the great entrance hall, I followed 
the sound of cheerful voices, and soon stood among my friends in 



94 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



a small, neat apartment, partaking of the most luscious fruits and 
other delicacies. Yes! eating in spirit life, as real as it had been 
on earth, and I could but smile as I remembered the ideas of spirit 
life that I had imbibed while there. After an hour or more passed 
in this pleasurable manner, we were invited to follow mother who 
led the way to one of the most beautiful rooms I had ever seen. 
Here, my child, you will be free from interruption, you can ask 
as many questions as you wish; our friend Gonzalo will answer. 
I thanked my mother; her quiet, graceful manner and easy con- 
versation had overcome the timidity and restraint first felt in 
Gonzalo's presence; addressing him I said: I am curious to know 
why you occupy so large a house ? 

" This is a school, or more properly speaking, a Resort," ans- 
wered Gonzalo. " It is designed to aid and educate those un- 
fortunate woman who have been deprived of intellectual culture, 
and opportunity to unfold the inherent capacity and latent talent 
they possess. They come from all conditions of life, prompted 
by one desire — improvement." 

Why are they isolated from companionship with those gentle- 
men who are prompted by the same high motives, I mean, why is 
this school devoted exclusively to women ? 

" You have asked the most important question relating to this 
subject. Co-education of the sexes is as important and beneficial 
here as on earth ; but there is a condition reached by some men 
and many women, which renders association absolutely detri- 
mental." 

I cannot understand this. 

" Because your experience has been limited. When the love 
nature, which I may term the central principle of being, has been 
outraged through a long succession of years; blunted, degraded, 



EXPERIENCES IN SPIRIT LIFE. 95 

and almost deprived of its beauty by the abnormal condition into 
which it has been thrown by circumstances, or hereditary taint, 
then life is robbed of its highest inspirations ! Nay, the greatest 
good is transformed into the means of the greatest evil ! The in- 
dividual sinks into a dark, selfish condition, from which the most 
brilliant power of intellect cannot rescue him, — hatred, eventually 
creeps in and usurps control." 

Will not the love of knowledge, of truth, prevent this disastrous 
result? 

11 Xo ; for truth cannot awaken a sentiment that it cannot im- 
part! Love of right does not emanate from the same principle as 
personal love, nor should it be called love." 

Surely, Mr. Gonzalo, it would save from a low, vicious life! 

" For a time it would; but eventually, that nature which has 
been evolved from lower conditions would assert its supremacy, 
unless guided and held in check by the Godlike power of recipro- 
cal affection. Your knowledge of history will convince you of 
the correctness of this statement. But, to return to this school, 
the object was, to provide a place for those women from whose 
very existence, love seems to have been eliminated. Many of 
them dislike, even the presence of men ; they cannot endure the 
least manifestation of affection from their own sex. They thirst 
for knowledge, and in this overruling desire, even the maternal 
love is lost." 

Do such spirits advance rapidly ? 

"Yes ; indeed you would be surprised at their power of mind, 
depth of thought and display of insight !" 

Are they happy? 

"Yes, they enjoy all the happiness they are capable of appre- 
ciating." 

Why is my mother here? 



g6 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



"She has been chosen because of peculiar magnetic conditions, 
which frequently softens and mellows the icy natures around her." 

Oh, mother! can you be happy here? 

" Yes, child, for like many of this unfortunate class, I too re- 
quired the solitude and comfort which is attainable here; my 
heart needed rest from the tempestuous gales that had so long tor- 
tured it. This Resort has been a heaven to me, and now I rejoice 
in imparting the knowledge and experience I have gained." 

This is strange, something I had never thought of. How do 
these students appear when they leave school ? 

"You will understand that they are not controlled by compul- 
sion ; there comes a time to each one of them, when the over- 
taxed and weary love nature has had its rest, and the intellectual 
powers have grown comparatively mature. You must understand 
that developement or growth, is in circles ; when one is complete, 
another begins ; the vigor and action of love is lost and its awak- 
ening is slow, but by degrees it again assumes supremacy, and 
the individual arises to a higher and more harmonious plane than 
ever before." 

This is all beyond my comprehension, so I will ask a question 
upon a subject I think I can understand. In passing from sphere 
to sphere, assuming new forms, is the distinction of sex lost? Is 
every spirit complete to itself in the highest sphere? Gonzalo 
turned his thoughtful and expressive face towards me, and re- 
plied : 

" I, am only a learner. For many years I have been trying to 

free myself from the errors, mistakes and entanglements of earth 
life ; therefore, I may not answer your questions as clearly and 
fully as some other one could. The light that comes to me is 
from the revelation of principles which I am studying, and the ex- 



EXPERIENCES IN SPIRIT LIFE. 97 

periences related to me by those who have passed on. These 
principles assure me of the indestructibility of all that belongs to 
spirit. Sex in person, is only an expression of principle embodied 
in spirit; therefore it will never be lost! No individual spirit is in 
itself all-sufficient. Man and woman are the two halves of the 
perfect whole." 

I have many other questions to ask upon this subject, but will 
wait until my next visit. Before I leave, will you be so good as 
to satisfy my curiosity in regard to those wonderful horses whose 
beauty and speed so delighted and amazed me. How came they 
here, and how are they so easily controlled? Gonzalo smiled as 
he replied : 

" Those you saw are not flesh and blood as you imagine; but 
are simply machines guided and moved by electricity. 

AVhat ! Is there no life there ? 

" It is hard to believe there is not, but such is the case ; I have 
heard that in the higher spheres every thought takes on a form, 
as the poet sings : 

"All worlds and suns are the thoughts of God." 

So it is said thoughts, beautiful thoughts take on the form of 
birds, flowers, and many beautiful shapes. You remember the 
power of thought upon earth ; how tangibly one mind can affect 
another without speech ; this power is much greater here, what 
it may be, we cannot say." 

This is truly a wonderful life, so different from what I had an- 
ticipated ! 

" Yes, and you have only had a glimpse of its wonders." 
" She has had enough for one day," remarked my mother. " My 
child, you will rest here to-night; to-morrow I will accompany 
you to your earthly home, unless you prefer to stay here." 



98 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



Like a great wave came the sudden thought of earth. Stay 
here! I exclaimed, starting up, oh no, I must go! 

"Yes child," said Gonzalo, "you must go, your heart is on fire; 
but the cords that bind it, will be burnt to ashes ; the power that 
holds you will be broken, but long, long, will the gray shadows 
of unreciprocal affection drape your spirit; but, at last you will 
pass through the pearly gate into perfect freedom." 

Thank you for the prophetic words, may they be as truthful as 
they are pleasant. 

"Farewell," said Gonzalo, looking into my face with a search- 
ing gaze. He stood as calm, white and still as a marble statue ; 
then suddenly his face lighted and become suffused with a crim- 
son tide; then bowing gracefully he took his departure; leaving 
my mother in a state of rapturous joy, though why, I could 
not tell. 







CHAPTER III. 

Return To Earth — My Spirit Guide — A Magnetic River And Crystal Ocean — 
How Material Objects Are Seen By Spirits — Searching For Earth Friends. 

" O, this strange mingling in of Life and Death, 
Of Soul and Substance ! Let me comprehend 
The hidden secret of life's fleeting breath, 
My beings destiny, its aim and end. 
Show me the impetus that urged me forth, 
Upon my lone and burning pathway driven ; 
The secret force that binds me down to earth, 
While my sad spirit yearns for home and heaven." 

|0W TRUE it is, that the dominant idea will assert itself and 
A^ obliterate or dim all other impressions. I had been charmed 
by the surpassing beauty and naturalness of spirit life, and 
delighted to again hold uninterrupted communion with my 
loved mother. The novelty and freshness of the scenes through 
which I had passed, had drawn my mind away from earth ; but, 
now that the time was approaching for my return, all other 
thoughts lost their hold upon me, and I awaited with anxiety and 
impatience for the time to arrive When I could once more turn my 
face homeward. At that period of life an all-absorbing, selfish love 
was the power that ruled me. 

" The selfish heart deserves the pain it feels ; 
More gen'rous sorrow, while it sinks, exalts, 
And conscious virtue mitigates the pang." 

I had been long waiting when my mother entered, accompanied 
L.ofC. 



IOO THE PHANTOM FORM. 



by a radiant being, whom she introduced as Thalia, explaining 
that she had come to accompany us and would remain with me as 
guide and counselor. Her calm, sweet face, and large expressive 
eyes, had a tranquilizing and wonderful effect upon my turbulent 
spirit. I recognized her superior mind, and proud, exact, yet 
loving nature ; and I greeted her with pleasure, yet with a con- 
sciousness that her superiority would be a check to the spontaneous 
expression of my impulsive nature. 

" You will love her and she will bless you," said my mother. 
"Always follow her advice. Time, sorrow, and experience have 
refined and polished her soul. I rejoice that I have secured the 
companionship of one so well adapted to your necessities. Now, 
my child, as it is your desire to enter again into the scenes of rudi- 
mental existence, you will bid farewell to this beautiful world ! " 

Yes, I answered hastily. 

Thalia moved on in advance and we followed, passing quickly 
through the flowery grounds surrounding the mansion. Once 
outside, we passed rapidly through the sweet scented air ; Thalia 
keeping in advance, and taking no part in our conversation. 

Why is she so reserved, and formal ? I asked. 

" You will know by and by ; she is worthy of your full confi- 
dence, and is one of the purest and most noble spirits I ever met." 

There is something strangely familiar in her voice and gesture, 
yet it is improbable that we eve;- met before. 

" You have never met. She is to you a stranger, and has vol- 
unteered to be your guide and friend." 

She does not walk as we do, but seems to float without effort. 

"All spirits in this sphere have that power." 

We now stood on the mossy bank of a beautiful river, where a 
small boat, resembling the one we used on a former occasion, 



EXPERIENCES IN SPIRIT LIFE. 10 1 

awaited us. Never had I seen anything so charming ; the tall 
trees with their drooping branches ; the profusion of curiously- 
shaped, bright tinted flowers, and the water glowing in a flood of 
rosy light. Thalia would float from the boat to the shore, bring- 
ing flowers and shells. 

I called to mind those beautiful words of the poet, descriptive 
of the Spirit World : 

"There everlasting spring unfolds 
The flowers of every clime, 
And every form the mind beholds, 
Is beauteous and sublime. 

There's Love and glory in the sky, 

And music in the air, 
And every breath is melody, 

And every thought a prayer." 

I know not how long we remained upon the beautiful river, it 
seemed but a few moments until the sweet homes, shining palaces, 
lovely flowers, and beautiful trees began to fade in the distance, 
and the river lost itself in a boundless ocean, clear as crystal. The 
boat stopped and mother and Thalia stepped out upon the bright 
sea, motioning me to follow them ; which I could not do, until I 
had received many words of assurance. Once out of the boat 
and resting upon the bright, magnetic stream, we were borne on 
with the rapidity of light, — on and on through the boundless 
realms of space, no object in sight save the glistening waves and 
the clear, blue sky above ; no sound, save the murmuring of the 
waves and rich, harmonious notes that seemed to come from the 
blending of innumerable human voices. Up from the crystal 
water came a delicious, sweet scented breeze that exhilerated, 
while it quieted and calmed every fear. I had many inquires to 
make in regard to this mode of conveyance, which I found to be 



102 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



in accordance with the law of attraction. Whoever was placed in 
the current of this mighty stream, was borne at once to earth. 

" This is the direct channel of communication," said my mother. 
" In this way you avoid contact with other planes of spirit life, 
arriving in the atmosphere of earth in an almost inconceivable 
short time." My mother now bade me farewell, charging me to 
remember the lessons I had learned, and to withdraw myself as 
soon as possible from the entanglements of earth and come up 
higher ; then left me to the guiding care of Thalia. 

I am ashamed to admit the fact, that the murky atmosphere of 
earth, was far more attractive to me, than the spheres I had left. 
I felt more at ease after mother had withdrawn ; her pure eyes 
seemed to be constantly reproaching me for my love of earth. 
Now I was free, yet not entirely so, for Thalia, surrounded by a 
soft halo, stood near waiting my bidding. I resolved to overcome 
the restraint I had felt in her presence. Let us go first to my old 
home, I said. She bowed, beckoning me to follow, as she moved 
on. I too could float with the greatest ease in the murky atmos- 
phere, which seemed to slightly impede her progress. Soon we 
stood before the well known home. How dark, cold, and cheer- 
less it looked. No comfort, nothing to attract or hold me there. 
I must seek my husband elsewhere. I had not then learned to 
utilize my clairvoyant powers, nor did Thalia enlighten me. 

Material objects were seen only through the emanations that 
surrounded them; and instead of finding my husband by the 
power of sight, I wandered from place to place, tracing him by 
the magnetic emanations imparted to all things with which he 
came in contact. It was a long search, as he had heard of my 
intended visit, and had gone from place to place to avoid me. 
Thalia made no objection to the search, simply acquiescing in the 



EXPERIENCES IN SPIRIT LIFE. IO3 

suggestions I made: At last I found him in a quiet village. It 

was evening as I drew near, and, for the first time since my 

change, looked upon the face of him I loved. 

He was seated on a rustic bench, beneath a wide spreading tree; 

the silver moonlight, falling through the swaying branches, light- 
ing up his pale, intellectual face. I could plainly discern deep 
marks of care and sorrow. By his side sat Eunice ; her head 
was resting on his shoulder, her small hand clasped in his. This 
sight aroused all the jealousy and anger of my nature. Thalia 
stood looking upon them with an expression of admiration. 
Glancing at me, she seemed to have an intuitive perception of my 
feelings, for she came to me at once, and said: 

" Emily, my friend, come away, I have something to say to 
you." 

Never ! I replied, I will not leave them until they realize that 
I am still living, still claim my right as wife ! Saying this, I ad- 
vanced to my husband, calling to him in a loud, strong voice. I 
might as well have called to the stars; he could not see, hear, or 

feel me. Never before had I realized how complete was our sep- 
aration. 

Every whispered word, yea, thought of theirs was clear and 

distinct to me; but to them I was dead; gone. It should not be 
so. I would make them conscious of my presence ! I remem- 
bered that Eunice was a medium. Going behind them, and using 
all. my will and strength, I placed one hand upon her cheek, the 
other upon my husband's. He did not move; she gave a pier- 
cing scream, and fell fainting to the ground. 

Oh, how I gloried in my success ! I had heard her whisper : 
"nothing shall part us now ;" but my first effort had been more 
than successful ; between them had come the hand of death, the 
icy touch of her they believed forever gone. 



104 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



Thalia bent over the drooping form, and soon restored her to* 
consciousness. Then taking my hand, she led me to a beautiful 
grove, and seating herself by my side, said : 

" Emily, you are wronging yourself; you are hindering your 
growth ; you are grieving away the sweet spirit of gentleness and 
purity that is a part of yourself! " 

Don't expostulate with me, I replied ; if you are here to aid me,. 
if you are indeed a friend, then help me to accomplish the one 
purpose of life : to win back and hold the love that once was mine, 
that I have a right to, that I will have ! Eunice will love another; 
I never can. She is fickle ; I am changeless ! Will you help me ? 

" Emily, hear me! Is love the only object of life? Is this the 
only hight you aim to attain ? Let me show you that the love you 
have made a God of, should only be an incident in life ; it is a 
fountain from which you drink, to pass on to higher, grander 
results. When your soul makes an idol of an individual, all av- 
enues of growth are closed. Worship of the finite, will not advance 
you intellectually or spiritually ! Worship of an individual will 
not prepare you for the grand, humanitarian, world-lifting efforts, 
you will be called upon to make! Worship is blind ; idolatry is. 
folly ! Love is only worthy of the name, when free from all nar- 
row, selfish, degrading influences. Has not your love silenced 
your better nature ; extinguished the pure light of sisterly affec- 
tion ; lessened your love for an angel mother, intensified your 
jealousy, anger, and selfishness ; caused you to forget the intel- 
lectual treasures you were once so earnest in seeking ; brought 
you from heaven to earth ; debarred you from the society of the 
cultured and refined in spirit life ; dragged you into the mire and 
wretched conditions of earth life ? Is this love ? What good has it 
brought you? Is it not even now binding you anew with fetters- 



EXPERIENCES IN SPIRIT LIFE. 



05 



that may hold you through many, many years ? Pause, I beg of 
you ! Think of my words ! Oh, barter not the store house of in- 
exhaustable treasures for the false glitter and sparkle that allure 
but to destroy ! Think of it ! To-morrow I will come to you 
again; promise me that you will remain alone until that time." 

I promise, I replied, and the bright guardian angel vanished 
from sight, leaving me filled with strange and unaccountable 
emotions. 




CHAPTER IV. 

My Experiences As A Spirit With Mortals In Earth Life — Unhappiness — Spirits 
Attend An Earthly Marriage Ceremony — A Spirit Long In The Atmosphere 
Of Earth— The Loss— Who Ls My Spirit Guide— A Discovery. 

(t O Remembrance ! 
Why dost thou open all my wounds again? " 

" Experience teacheth many things, and all 
men are his scholars ; 
Yet is he a strange tutor, unteaching that 
which he has taught." 
" Remembrance wakes with all her busy train 

Swells at my breast, and turns the past to pain." 



r'^Y 9 WAS ashamed and humilated by the earnest words of 

^ i( -A^ Thalia, and felt that she expressed the truth in regard to 

JL my condition ; yet, when left alone I could not fully accept 

* her theory, and never found rest until the broader views 

and more spiritual expressions of Gonzalo came back in all their 

purity and freshness. He did not look upon love as an incident 

in life, but rather as the inspiration — the crowning glory of all. 

My unfortunate circumstances had prevented me from perceiving 

more than a glimpse of this central principle of life. Patience and 

persistent effort would at last confer upon me the boon I craved ; 

then all that was desirable, must follow. I had promised to wait 

the return of Thalia, but oh, how slowly the hours passed ! With 



EXPERIENCES IN SPIRIT LIFE. IO7 

great effort I controlled my impatience and waited, waited until 
the last lingering ray of twilight had disappeared and the stars 
came out in the blue dome; still she came not. 

At last, overcome by anxiety and unrest, I left the grove where 
I had remained all day, and moved through the silver moonlight 
to the little vine clad cottage. The doors and windows were open, 
and I entered. The rooms were filled with sweet scented flowers 
and occupied by a company of gentlemen and ladies, who seemed 
eagerly waiting for the appearance of other parties. I was about 
to pass on to the other rooms, when Thalia, hand in hand with 
the Phantom Form, entered the room. They were clad in daz- 
zling white, their faces radiant, as if with a new found joy. I 
drew back into the shadow and watched them unobserved. Their 
conversation in low, earnest tones, I could not hear. Soon my 
attention was diverted from them by the sound of approaching 
footsteps; the door of an adjoining room opened, and my hus- 
band, with Eunice on his arm, and accompanied by several ladies 
and gentlemen, entered the room. They advanced so close to 
where I was standing, that I could have touched the white cheek 
of Eunice. A tall, pale gentleman arose and approached them and 
before I was aware of the significance of the scene, my husband 
was no longer mine. 

" With wild surprise, 
As if to mai-ble struck, devoid of sense, 
A stupid moment motionless I stood." 

I had passed through all the stages of jealousy and anger, and 
this unexpected scene seemed to paralyze all my senses. I could 
not see, hear, or realize what it was, that had so suddenly trans- 
formed me from a thinking, suffering, loving woman, into a heart- 
less, passionless statue. How long they remained in the room, or 



I08 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



when they left it, I do not know. My first recollection after the 
marriage ceremony, was seeing Thalia approach ; her arms were 
extended, as though she would caress me, and in her rich, clear 
voice she said : " Come, sister, come away. We did not intend 
that you should witness this scene ; but, perhaps the sharp con- 
flict may help to strike the scales from your eyes, come ; we will 
now leave them, and return again to brighter scenes, where your 
weary heart can find rest and strength ; come, the last link that 
bound you, is broken, why tarry longer?" 

My brain and tongue seemed paralyzed ; the only response I 
could give was a wave of the hand, signifying my desire to be left 
alone. Thalia did not go ; she expostulated, reasoned and plead 
with me, but she might as well have talked to the frozen streams. 
Her eloquence and sympathy were lost. I heard her words with- 
out comprehending their significance. I do not know how long 
I remained in the house. Days and weeks passed and I had no 
power to tear myself away from the magnetism of that room. 
Thalia was frequently with me ; other spirits were there, but neither 
approached nor addressed me. At last I awoke from this trance 
of reason, and moved out into the pure air and sunshine. 

It is not my intention to weary you by particularly relating my 
experiences while lingering in this border land. Suffice it to say, 
that when fully restored, though love seemed dead, I formed a 
settled determination, that Eunice should not enjoy the happiness 
of which I had been deprived, and for long years neglected no 
opportunity to annoy and disturb their home happiness. Thalia 
often counteracted my plans, by erasing written communications, 
by destroying my power to entrance Eunice, by projecting her 
positive will, and her own angelic face and form, when I was at- 
tempting by my presence to dishearten and discourage them. 






EXPERIENCES IN SPIRIT LIFE. ICX) 



You may be surprised, when I tell you this was my highest hap- 
piness, and it held me a bound slave for many years. 

Eunice and her husband had left the sunny valley of youth ; age 
had silvered the bright locks and furrowed the fair brow, and the 
two little ones had grown almost to womanhood before I was 
freed, or rather had outgrown, my own selfish, distorted nature. 
I too, had changed ; the prominence of low and selfish thoughts 
had marred the beauty of that spiritual form of which I was once 
so proud. The long sojourn in the coarse magnetism of earth, 
without one pure breath from the sunny table-lands of spirit life, 
had changed the transparent whiteness of the face that once looked 
at me from the crystal mirror of the Arbor of Repose. Thalia 
and mother had from time to time visited me, but never had I 
looked upon the face of Gonzalo. Finally I grew weary of my 
self imposed task ; then came shame for the narrow and contempt- 
able life I had lead ; sorrow, for the years I had wasted, for the 
opportunities lost ; and slowly I awoke to the consciousness, that 
Thalia was right. That such a life was but: 

" A gulf of troubled water? — where the soul, 
Like a vexed bark, is tossed upon the waves 
Of pain and pleasure, by the wavering breath 
Of passions." 

I had had my dream of life, it was passed ; and now my heart 
was cold and hard as flint; but there was an awakening of the 
intellectual powers, a thirst for knowledge, and with a triumphant 
smile I said to Thalia: I have conquered at last, henceforth I live 
in the brain ! I am ready to commence the great work of uplifting 
others from the fearful condition I have so long lived. A smile 
of ineffable beauty illuminated the face of my friend, as she re- 
plied : 



IIO THE PHANTOM FORM. 



" You are now prepared to go to school ; you stand on the first 
round of the shining ladder of truth. Many years ago I occupied 
nearly the same position, but think not that I remained stationary 
during all this time ; I have entered a new world, of which you 
can at present have no conception. The glory of the Infinite is 
around me, the joy of the truly emancipated, thrills my entire 
being. 

" Emily, I have much to say to you ; you have noticed a strange- 
ly familiar look in my eyes, and recognized the accent of a re- 
membered tone in my voice. You are right, you have seen the 
eyes and are familiar with the voice ; I am Gonzalo's sister, and 
there was a purpose in my being sent as your guardian, and to 
aid you. You have now, at least for a time, finished your exper- 
ience on earth, and, as it is your desire, to-morrow we will go to 
a place of rest, where in solitude you can commune with your own 
soul, and prepare yourself to enter the great school you once vis- 
ited. There you will have opportunity for culture, and your soul 
will flow out through many avenues, until you become strong, 
bright, and pure ; then the light of a life of which you now know 

nothing, will enfold you ; then, and not until then, will you know 
and feel the value of life." 

By this conversation I was confirmed in my resolution. True, 
I had often thought of my transient visit to the land of souls, 
but it had never entered my mind, that / should ever become an 
inmate of the school I had visited. I was rejoiced at the oppor- 
tunities opening before me, and should have been happy, had I 
not realized the loss of time, the unfavorable change in my person- 
al appearance, and the utter dread of affection. Even the thought 
of seeing my mother, did not awaken one thrill of love ; my heart 
was apparently dead, its grave covered with ashes, in which no 
bud could ever again blossom. All life, strength and ambition, 
seemed to tend toward the intellect. These, and only these, could 
I live for in the future. 






CHAPTER V. 

Weary Of Life — Return 7'o The Summer Land — Religious Zealots Ln Spirit Life — 
They Still Worship A Personal God — Mansion Of Artistic Beauty — A LLome 
For The Lcrae'ess — A Mother Relates Her Sad Earth Experience — Marriage 
By H inn an La7c, Not Always A True Marriage — A Curse To Children — A 
Congress Of Spirits — Lmpo? tant Subjects Considered. 

" Alas, for my weary and care-haunted bosom ! 

The spells of the spring-time arouse it no more, 
The song in the wild wood, the sheer in the blossom. 

The fresh swelling fountain — their music is o'er. 
When I libt to the stream, when I look to the flowers, 

They tell of the past with so mournful a tone, 
That I call up the throng of my long-vanished hours, 

And sigh that their transports are over and gone." 



ARY, very weary of life, with no light, save the hope of 
the attainment of knowledge, it was with a feeling of relief 
* ,<f that I placed my hand in Thalia's, and turned my face 
from the scenes and bitter memories of earth. Xo indi- 
vidual in possession of reason, was more of an utter nonentity 
than I. The Summer Land with its gorgeous beauty, its rich and 
varied sources of enjoyment and culture, failed to awaken one 
thrill of joyful anticipation; nor did remorse cause regret or sad- 
ness, for the selfish course I had so long pursued. I was weary, 
and hoped for rest; ignorant, and thought to make existence du- 
rable by the acquisition of knowledge. My beautiful friend seemed 
unconscious of my mental condition, and silently led me on. 



112 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



" Earth ! O Earth ! thou art my mother. 

Mortal man ! thou art my brother. 
We have shared a mutual sorrow, we have known a common birth ; 

Yet with all my soul's endeavor, 

I will sunder, and forever, 
Every tie of human passion, that can bind my soul to earth — 
Every slavish tie that binds me to the things of little worth. 
'Come up higher ! ' cry the Angels ; 'Come, and bid farewell to earth.' 

From life's overflowing beaker I have drained the bitter draught, 

Changing to a maddening ichor in my being as I quaffed. 

I have felt the hot blood rushing, o'er its red and rameous path, 

Like the molten lava, gushing in its wild, volcanic wrath ; 

Like a bubling, boiling Geyser, in the regions of the pole ; 

Like a Scylla or charybdis, threatening to engulf my soul. 

I was wounded by life's arrows in the head and in the heart. 

' Come up higher ! ' cried the angels, and I hastened to depart." 

When at last we stood upon the shining shore, I looked around 
and vainly tried to find some object that would recall the beautiful 
scene spread out before me. 

" You have never been here before," said Thalia, reading my 
thoughts, " but this will be your home for a season." 

It is a lovely place, I replied. The wooded hills, picturesque 
valleys, and distant mountains, present a pleasant contrast to the 
city, w r ith its showy mansions, its beautiful, quiet cottages, and 
immense public buildings. The broad avenues lined with grace- 
ful trees, the playing fountains, whose murmuring waters reach 
down even to the silent sea. It is beautiful ! I shall rest here. 
What are those immense buildings, formed of dark gray substance, 
glistening like polished marble ? I asked, as we moved up one of 
the broad avenues leading to the city. 

" They were erected by a religious order, and are occupied by 
those, who, when upon earth, were immersed in convents, and by 
long and devoted monastic life are so dwarfed, that they are in- 



EXPERIENCES IN SPIRIT LIFE. I I 3 

capable of enjoying a life entirely devoid of form and ceremony; 
In fact, they still believe in the infallibility of their religion, only 
^hanging its forms, and modifying its tenets to adapt them to 
their new condition of life.. They still worship an individualized 
God and pray to the saints, believing they can save from the pains 
of purgatory. The large, light edifice on the right is a place of 
worship. There Protestant devotees still bow at the consecrated 
.shrine of antiquity. In this sphere you will find many narrow, 
dogmatic minds ; unprogressive, zealous ministers and teachers." 

This is strange ; why can they not perceive the fallacy of their 
preconceived opinions ? 

" Simply because they have not been able to overcome inherent 
tendency, early impressions imparted by education, combined with 
egotism, will not permit them to admit they have been wrong ; 
your mother will explain this more fully. Do you see those beau- 
tiful dwellings, shaded by magnificent trees ? " 

Yes, they are built of what seems to be polished stone of many 
colors ; I never saw any thing more beautiful ; the great lawns 
surrounding them filled with flowers, fountains and birds. Why 
are they so isolated? 

" You will find many such, some far more beautiful ; they are 
occupied by families, who belonged to what is termed the highly 
aristocratic classes. They look upon themselves as superior, and 
refuse to mingle with what they call common society. They are 
unsocial, unprogressive, and many families of this class remain 
here, a much longer time than you remained upon earth. Intense 
selfishness closes the avenues through which they might advance." 

It is strange, I replied, that these refined souls, do not perceive 
the advantages that would accure, should they advance to the 
higher spheres. 



114 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



" When one is engrossed in the pursuit of pleasure, and hedged 
in by the pride of birth, there is little opportunity for serious 
thought upon any subject, outside the narrow limit of their sphere.'" 

We had now reached the entrance of a magnificent building, 
whose vast proportion and artistic beauty, challenged my admira- 
tion. We passed up the polished steps, and before I had time to 
express my surprise, the doors were thrown open, and we were 
received by a woman, tall and dignified, who had no more expres- 
sion or suavity of manner, than a marble statue. We were evi- 
dently expected, for she led the way through the immense build- 
ing to a large and airy room, which she requested me to consider at 
my service as long as I was content to remain ; she then with- 
drew, leaving me alone with Thalia. 

Where am I, where have you brought me ? I asked. For the 
first time since my acquaintance with her, Thalia laughed, a laugh 
clear and beautiful, that was caught up and echoed through the 
long corridors of the building. She quietly replied: 

"I am glad to notice your astonishment. I feared that it would 
be long before the dead sea of your mind would be broken. This 
is simply a home. Hundreds find rest and shelter here, with lei- 
sure to pursue any course of study they may deem most desirable. 
Here you can enjoy congenial associates, or dwell in solitude, if 
preferred. I will now leave you for a time, as I see it is almost 
time for your mother's arrival. You will be visited by other friends, 
who will introduce you to your new life. Books, pictures, music, 
writing materials, teachers, and all that your present condition 
demands, have been supplied by your thoughtful friends." 

My friends are kind ; I shall find rest for heart and brain. 
Scarcely had Thalia left me, when my mother entered, and greeted 
me with an affectionate embrace. 



EXPERIENCES IN SPIRIT LIFE. I I 5 

*' Emily, my Emily ! I am rejoiced that at last you have freed 
yourself from an affection which at best, touched only a part of 
your nature. My child, you have had a long, bitter experience ; 
its effects have crushed your spirit, chilled your heart, and de- 
prived you of many bright years of happiness, and yet your suf- 
ferings will ultimate in good to others. Every step in advance 
from ignorance to knowledge, is more or less painful ; had you 
been differently organized and conditioned, the sorrow would have 
been less, the struggle shorter. But, that organization was not of 
your choice; my ignorance was the first cause of the many seem- 
ing wrongs that have followed. I did not choose your father, he 
won me by psychological influence, aided by the powerful influence 
of interested parties, my necessity of a home, and the deep need 
of affection, of which my young heart had been long deprived. 
These, and other motives placed my life in the keeping of one, 
who had neither affection nor honor to give me ; nor had he that 
most essential of all, a nature that could in any way respond to 
the demands of my soul. By his cold, proud, exacting and selfish 
nature, the warm tide of affection was frozen in my heart. We 
were married according to human law, but never according to 
that higher law, to the obedience of which alone can come hap- 
piness. We were never united by the law of true marriage, ex- 
pressed by the poet : 

" But happy ihey ! the happiest of their kind ! 
Whom gentle stars unite, and in one fate 
'J heir hearts, their fortunes and their beings blend. 
"1 is not the coarser tie of human laws, 
Unnatural oft, and foreign to the mind, 
That binds their peace, but harmony itself, 
Attuning all their passions into love." 

My child, I need not refer you to the wretched life I lived with 



Il6 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



the man who called me wife. When on earth, I thought it was 
his cruelty that repulsed me; but now I understand that it would 
have been more possible for oil and water to blend, than for our 
widely sundered temperaments to come into harmonious relations. 
The curse of this merely legal union fell with terrible power upon 
my innocent children. Not only has many of the repulsive and 
degrading traits of the father been reproduced, but other singu- 
larities and defects have followed this violation of nature's law. 
I refer to this, that you may the more readily comprehend what I 
have to say to you on another subject. None of my children have 
yet fully freed themselves from the mournful influence of this sin. 
Its effects followed me into spirit-life, and hung like an incubus 
upon me for many years. Thank God, I am free at last ! No, not 
free, for so long as one of my children suffer, I suffer with them, 
but I am comparitively free, made so through my own exertions. 
You too, my dear children, must work out your own salvation. 
You will understand the full meaning of my words by and by. 
Now Emily, I wish to. tell you something of the work I am doing. 
I had been in spirit-life many years, before the truth dawned 
upon me, that I was entirely absorbed in seeking my own indi- 
vidual good, blind to the needs of others, deaf to their cries for 
help ! Soon after, I became conscious of this fact, and endeavored 
to forget my sorrows in benefiting others, I became a teacher in 
the great school, where you found me. I remained there five 
years after your return to earth. At that time Gonzalo informed 
me, that there was to be a Congress of spirits, and urged the ne- 
cessity of my presence, — a great humanitarian work was in con- 
templation. It was anticipated, that thousands of the most ad- 
vanced minds would be present; that they were to meet in the 
sphere above the one in which I then resided. I accepted the 



EXPERIENCES IN SPIRIT LIFE. 



invitation, and with a company of ladies attended the grandest 
assemblage it is possible for the mind to conceive. I will not weary 
you, by describing the location and external surroundings, nor by 
naming the many prominent members, whose names are written 
upon history's page, and on the tablets of human hearts. Sages, 
philosophers, reformers, many martyrs, whose white souls ascen- 
ded from dungeon cells and blazing faggot. These spirits, one 
and all, were imbued with the lofty purpose of benefiting human- 
ity. To free the world from religious bigotry, political injustice, 
and social depotism ; it was decided, that there must be a system- 
atic, orderly communication opened between the two worlds. 
The revolution they designed to inaugurate, could be best accomp- 
lished by the most startling manifestations. To accomplish this, 
it was essential to employ spirits whose magnetism would the 
more readily blend with the existing magnetic condition of the 
earth. 

Two classes of spirits were designated as possessing this power. 
One class, those who had been suddenly deprived of physical ex- 
istence. Their power, however, was limited, seldom extending 
beyond the room or building, which had absorbed much of their 
vital power. The other class was the Indians, children of nature. 
When in the presence of a sensitive, they could readily produce 
manifestations, that would challenge the attention of the most 
skeptical. Committees were formed to select from these classes, 
those who would be willing to work in harmony with the Con- 
gress, and follow the directions of more highly unfolded minds. 
The next step was to appoint committees to seek upon earth for 
individuals, whose peculiar organization was adapted to this phase 
of mediumship. In this search, we were instructed to give no 
thought to intellectual or moral status, to religious or social train- 



I I 8 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



ing, nor to distinguish between poverty and wealth ; but to keep 
ever in view the one great object to be accomplished, viz : the 
production of startling phenomena that should arrest the attention 
and compel all classes of minds to investigate. Other committees 
were sent forth to work in various ways, and take the initiatory 
steps in the great movement contemplated. Many wise and good 
spirits went independently, working in their own way. I say 
went, for although thought may be projected through an immeas- 
urable distance; time and space being in fact annihilated, or rather 
are inconceivable in their relation to spirit. Schools were opened 
and wise spirits selected to impart a knowledge of the laws of mind 
and the power of will, over a less positive spirit. 

I gladly availed myself of the opportunity thus offered for im- 
provement. The light received from my mediumship upon earth, 
and the instruction imparted since entering spirit life, had prepared 
me to grasp with avidity the knowledge so pleasingly imparted by 
advanced minds. It is not my intention to weary you with a re- 
cital of the course of instruction. I will simply say, that I was 
soon able to trace to their true source, crimes, disease, and the 
terrible blight of insanity, that had fallen like a pall upon so many 
brilliant minds. When you are prepared, I will impart the know- 
ledge to which I refer, and show you how it decided the course of 
my life, and absorbed all my energies in the grandest reform that 
the world has ever known. This great movement is yet in its 
infancy, and I trust, dear Emily, that the time is not distant, when 
you will work with me. My child, I have also hinted at great 
and important truths, which require time, and a receptive condi- 
tion to receive and appreciate. My object in coming to you, was 
to welcome you to your new home, and speak to you of important 
changes in my life, so be not surprised at the revelation I am 
about to make. 



CHAPTER VI. 

My Mother's Experience In Spirit Life — Woman 's Condition In Earth Life — 
Martyrs In Marriage — Without Reciprocal love Marriage Not Congugal — 
The True Marriage Eternal. Through It Will Come Human Redemption — 
Marriage In Spirit Life. 

" But happy they ! the happiest of their kind ! 
Whom gentle stars unite, and in one fate 
Their hearts, their fortunes, and their beings blend. 
'Tis not the coarser tie of human laws, 
Unnatural oft, and foreign to the mind 
That binds their peace, but harmony itself, 
Attuning all their passions into love ; 
Where friendship full exerts her softest power, 
Perfect esteem enlivened by desire 
Ineffable, and sympathy of soul ; 
Thought meeting thought, and will preventing will. 
With boundless confidence : for naught but love 
Can answer love, and render bliss secure. 

hrv.EAR mother, it is pleasant to listen to the music of your 
JlJ' voice, and watch the light imparted by lofty thought and 
Vv/ noble purpose. I am rejoiced to again hold uninterrupted 
$ communion with you; but I must admit that the subjects 
you have broached, and the humanitarian work, which has so in- 
spired you, touch no responsive chord in my being. I care not 
to trace sin and wretchedness to their cause, much less to become 
active in removing them. A shade of sadness rests upon your 
face. My cold, selfish nature has chilled and repulsed you. Let 



20 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



me explain myself. The sorrow and anxiety of my life have 
crushed out every sweet flower of love. I am perfectly indifferent 
to all. /have suffered, let others suffer also! I seek no favors, 
ask no blessings, not even happiness, which I believe forever be- 
yond my reach. Dear mother, if it were possible, I would fling- 
off the life that has ever been a burden. The loss of identity 
seems now the highest blessing, but as this cannot be, I shall pass 
existence in the acquisition of knowledge. In this way I shall 
find self-forgetfulness, and this I believe is the object of existence, 
if, indeed, there be any purpose in it I am sorry to chill you by 
these words, but will be frank, therefore, while I take no interest 
in the work that inspires and ennobles you, I would ask one 
question. Why have I been told that my sorrows would ultimate 
in good ; that the thorns would be transformed into roses, the 
cross to a crown? 

" My child, your state of mind was not unknown to me, but I 
hoped to touch a chord of sympathy, which would eventually lead 
you out of spiritual darkness into the clear light of peace and 
happiness. The seeds that I have sown, will surely sink into the 
dark soil, and eventually bring forth an abundant harvest. Child 
of my heart, you will yet be in full sympathy with the progressive 
movement.! to which your attention has been called. To answer 
your question, I must call your attention to the degraded position 
occupied by woman. Slowly, right asserts its supremacy ; slowly, 
justice asserts its sway. The lower forces, individualized in un- 
developed man, have long held undisputed power. Physical 
strength controlled, and the result has-been, that women have been 
deprived of their natural right, which belongs to every individual. 
They have been treated as inferiors, mere cyphers in the world of 
thought and action. Debarred of political equality, educational 



EXPERIENCES IN SPIRIT LIFE. 121 

advantages and financial independence; the result, political in- 
justice, social corruption, and religious superstition. To remove 
these evils, the band of iron must press more heavily upon the 
tender heart of woman, until she is stung to madness, and by a 
mighty effort of will, throws off the incubus and proclaims herself 
free. The injustice I refer to, has probably never been felt with 
more rigor, more fearful results, than in the marriage or conjugal 
relation. If woman has realized the degradation of her position 
when single, what think you must her sensitive nature endure in 
the slavery of an uncongenial marriage? You know something of 
my sufferings. Have you ever turned your eyes to the broad 
plain of life, whitened by the bones of millions of martyrs, who 
have died without a word of protest? 

" My child, did you ever think of the flames consuming the 
very life of millions of as noble women as ever lived? These 
victims must be goaded on, and ground still lower in the dust, 
before they waken to a knowledge of their humiliating position, 
and their power to strike off the galling chains of slavery. Do 
not misunderstand me, marriage in its high, spiritual significance 
is the glory of life, here as well as upon earth. 

" The joys of marriage are the heaven on earth, 
Life's paradise, great princess, the soul's quiet, 
Sinews, concord, earthly immortality, 
Eternity of pleasures." 

" But no mortal has grasped its significance or ascended to the 
sunbright hights of its purity and perfection. Marriage on earth, 
is to-day little understood, and the cause of an infinite amount of 
torture. To reform and infuse this divine principle of spiritual 
marriage, women must be aroused from their listless, negative 
condition, and this can only be accomplished through intense 



122 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



suffering ; therefore, all the sweet lives that have been sacrificed 
to this MolocJi, have been as golden seeds, transformed into 
mighty forces to vitalize the dead corpse, called marriage. No 
heart has suffered in vain, the result is inevitable. Martyrs in re- 
ligion have paved the way for the highest expression of spiritual 
light. Martyrs in marriage have opened broad avenues of thought, 
through which millions o£ emancipated squIs sjiall pass on to the 
enjoyment of life, liberty and happiness. 

"The study of the laws of marriage, brings us to the principle 
of conjugal love. You, my child, who have thought and heard so 
much upon this subject, must now understand that this is the 
central love of the soul, and if not reciprocal, is not conjugal love. 
If not entire, all absorbing, complete, restful, it is one of the other 
loves. You have suffered through a fatal mistake of this kind. 
Your error and saddened life will cause others to think, and to 
step more cautiously along this beaten, but little understood way. 
A correct knowledge of conjugal love will lead to self-examination, 
the study of organization and temperament, and will enable the 
student to distinguish between the needs of the soul, and the 
magnetic attractions of blood love. In this way your experiences 
will be a blessing to you and to the world. The cross you have 
carried, will indeed prove a crown for some other. But this is 
not the end, for your earth-life with its lights and shadows, will 
have its effect upon the life that is. Your solitude will lead your 
mind to the consideration of these and other important subjects, 
and prepare you for the position which I have long realized you 
would fill. 

" Before leaving, let me call your attention again to the subject 
of marriage, or soul union. It may be compared to a beautiful 
plant, that buds on earth, to blossom in the higher spheres. As 






EXPERIENCES IN SPIRIT LIFE. I 23 

I said, its divine uses are little understood. One of the highest 
conceptions of marriage that has been grasped by finite mind, is, 
that through it, humanity is to be redeemed by bringing into ex- 
istence a race of true, noble, natural men and women, whose ten- 
dencies towards virtue, truth, art, science; are to bring the bles- 
sing of harmony upon earth. This is but a limited view of the 
great subject. In it the mother's soul is attuned to the divinest 
harmonies, in order that the child may sing its glad song at the 
gates of paradise. In it kindness, even the gentle offices of love 
are bestowed, that they may react upon the white soul of the 
little one. 

" Many crimes may be traced to ignorance of the true laws of 
marriage. The poet gives expression to this thought: 

"The man is ignorant of law who gives 
Being to offspring, cursed, before their birth 
With passions that destroy their future peace, 
And make the stately fabric of the soul 
A dungeon of impure depravities. 
The man is ignorant of law who takes 
A forced, reluctant wife into his breast, 
"Whose inward soul another spirit claims, 
Whose deepest heart expires in constant pain, 
Dying and waking daily to new deaths. 

O cursed ignorance, that educates 

Maidens for public torture : that first crowns 

With orange blossoms their brows, then turns the key 

Of wedlock, falsely called so by divines, 

To crush them in its infamous bastile, 

Making the marriage bed a rock, where they 

Must wed themselves, poor children, to despair, 

As to an iron giant, while the fire 

Of madness inundates the reeking brain. 

O God, 'tis trouble ! Thou who didst once 

Rest cradled in the sainted Mary's arms, — 



124 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



Whom woman loved, bathing thy sacred feet 
With costly tears, wiping them with hair, — 
Break thou that spell of ignorance that makes 
Woman the slave ; redeem her captive heart. 
Let marriage be the sacrament of the soul, 
The deathless union of accordant minds, 
The blending of two perfect lives in one, 
Whose home shall be a paradise, whose bliss 
Chaste, fervent, lasting as an Angel's love." 

"This philosophy is in harmonious accord with that which per- 
ceives and worships the outer form of the universe. Here the 
tender heart, the sensitive brain, inspiring soul of the mother is 
valued, not for their intrinsic worth, but rather as a means of effec- 
ting certain results. The beautiful mother soul is forgotten in 
the soul that is to be. The brain that could inspire and thrill the 
world with its burning thoughts, is looked upon as a secondary 
consideration. In a word, womanhood is absorbed in mother- 
hood. Thus the divine, the true significance of a spiritual union 
is buried from sight. This brings me to the subject upon which 
I designed to speak, when I entered your room. 

" Go with me in thought to that great Congress, of which I have 
spoken. I have told you, that great reforms were to follow the 
startling manifestations to be made. I also referred to a course 
of private instruction. The lectures were attended by a large class 
of ladies. Our teacher, a stranger, one who, while in the physi- 
cal form, inhabited one of the distant planets. I can give you 
no conception of the power and purity expressed in his face, and 
the dignity and nobility in his bearing. You shall see and judge 
for yourself, whether I over estimate his appearance in saying, 
that no language could do him justice. While teaching, he was 
always surrounded by a soft, golden light, which seemed to 



EXPERIENCES IX SPIRIT LIFE. I 25 

emanate from his brain, and flowed around him like a mantle. 
Spirit communion had always been an established fact with him, 
and gladly he gave his aid to establish a more open communion 
between the inhabitants of earth and the spirit-world. His lec- 
tures pertained chiefly to the subject of mind, but questions, 
caused him to express his views of the subject of which we have 
been conversing. From him I received a clearer conception of 
marriage, than ever before. Up to this time, I had given it but 
very little thought. 

" You must understand, that marriage is very different in spirit 
life from that on earth. I. The opportunities for deception are 
far less. 2. Selfish considerations, such as want of a home or 
affection, never becomes a factor in marriage. 3. There are no 
offsprings to be provided for, hence no necessity for arbitrary 
laws, which are essential to other conditions. 4. There are no 
pledges of eternal fidelity, and no statutory enactments compelling 
the married to live true to their vows. Here, the laws are God- 
made, no vows being necessary where infidelity is unknown. 
Marriage is eternal, natural, sweet and holy; conferring upon the 
recipients, tne benediction of a love of which you have but faint 
conception. Many of these years passed in spirit life, I walked 
alone, having met no one to whom my soul responded; but now 
a change as great as it is possible to conceive, has come. Far 
above me in the spiritual galaxy, I have found the star that I 
worshiped ; but its bright beams traversed the intervening space, 
and warmed and thrilled my frozen heart. How natural and 
beautiful were the expressions of this affection. He recognized 
my spirit as a part of his own, and I saw in him that strength of 
character and nobility of nature, which drew me as the sunbeam^ 
draw the dew. This is what I wanted to say to you, I no longer 



26 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



dwell alone. I am stronger and less selfish than before. Years 
glide by while we, absorbed in the effort to emancipate other 
souls, and impart a portion of our happiness, are scarcely con- 
scious of their flight. My child, look up ! Let me lead your spirit 
to the crystal waters of life! " 

No ; I replied ; go back in the sunshine, if you can ; if you will 
exhaust your powers by laboring for humanity, I will rest. I 
have no faith in the permanency of affection, or the triumph of 
good. Leave me, your happy heart is in strange contrast to the 
shadows that environ mine. 

She arose, and whispering the one word " hope," left me. 




CHAPTER VII. 

■ In The Spirit World — A Paper Published — The First Book Read — Trea- 
tise Upon The Existence Op' God — A Christian Searching For Jesus — A 
Temple Of Science — Self Abnegation — Aiding Others Gives Power To Rise — 
Emily Meets Her Unhappy Father In Spirit life. 

He who trembles at pain, and breaks the chain 

That binds him to this life, 
Xeed not hope to find a quiet mind, 

When he reaches the other life. 

For years of woe will come and go, 

Finding him still a slave, 
Fife's fearful deeds, like noxious weeds, 
Will long around him wave. 

The fetid breath, like the fumes of death 

Will still o'er him roll, 
Stifling the prayer for purer air 

That rises from the soul. 

Until he knows his bitterest foes, 

Are those that are within, 
He cannot be from sorrow free, 

Nor break the power of sin. 



/TTVFTER mother's departure, I sought rest and forgetful ness 

gA^kj in sleep, and for many hours was under the control of its 

magic power. I awoke refreshed, feeling a calmness and 

sense of repose, to which I had long been a stranger. I 

arose, closely examined the apartment which had been so kindly 



128 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



dedicated to my use, and found everything essential to my needs, 
but missed the delicacy, richness and beauty, that had greeted 
my first awakening in spirit life. Soon after I had arisen ; a young 
lady with pale face, large mournful eyes, and quiet, subdued man- 
ner, entered my room. She asked if I would go to the grand 
dining hall, or take my meals in private. I had inhaled the finest, 
best portion of fruit and flowers while on earth, and had been too 
much absorbed in other thoughts, to inquire or care to learn how 
life-sustaining principles were evolved from the athmosphere by 
spirits. I shrank with nervous dread from contact with others, 
and replied accordingly. The young lady said: 

" My name is Anna; it is my duty to attend you ; should you 
desire company, I will conduct you to the pavilion, where you 
may meet congenial minds; if you prefer solitude, this and the 
adjoining room, with the grounds upon which they open, are at 
your service." 

She then withdrew, and I turned to examine the adjoining room, 
and to my joy, found that it contained a large and carefully selec- 
ted library, a musical instrument resembling a piano, writing ma- 
terials, paper and music. Upon a small table lay a paper, which 
attracted my attention. It was smooth and white as the finest 
satin, the type was clear and distinct, the most beautiful I had 
ever seen. I perceived that it belonged to my new home, its 
name The Dawn. It contained an account of the various incidents 
that had transpired during the last few hours. I was surprised to 
see an item, giving an account of mv mother's visit, and the arrival 
of her daughter from the sphere of earth. This disturbed me 
somewhat, as I desired the strictest privacy. While thinking 
upon the subject, Anna entered, and I was soon refreshed by my 
first meal in my new home. I shall not attempt to full}- describe 



EXPERIENCES IN SPIRIT LIFE. I 20, 

it, but simply say. it was as enjoyable as any I had ever had, leav- 
ing a sense of satisfaction of which I was not conscious, when 
subsisting upon the emanation arising from earth. 

Taking" a 'handsomely bound book, I passed out into the shady 
lawn, determined to at once commence a search for knowledge. 
Finding a comfortable seat in a small vine-clad arbor, I opened 
the book, and found it to be "A Treatise upon the Existence of 
God.'* My first thought was to return it, but a startling sentence 
having attracted my attention, I continued to read. Clearly, and 
in the most forcible manner, the writer presented an array of facts, 
drawn from nature, and pointing with unerring precision to the 
existence of a universal intelligence. I continued to read until 
the book was finished, until its clear, bright blade of truth, had 
cut away the last remnant of unbelief, until I grasped the sublime 
truth of the existence of God. Language cannot impart a know- 
ledge of the rest and joy, that prevaded my entire being. The 
book was written in spirit life, and was intended for those restless, 
storm-tossed souls who had lost all faith in God, religion, love, 
and hope. I kissed the book, pressed it to my heart, and felt 
that I could never more drift out into the darkness, from which I 
had been rescued. Long, long. I pondered over its revelation, and 
the change it had wrought in me. Then I wished to gaze upon 
nature and humanity through this new light. 

I found the book I had read, corresponded with nature, and I 
could joyfully exclaim: 

"There is a book, who runs may read, 

Which heavenly truth imparts ; 
And all the love its scholars need, 

Pure eyes and willing hearts. 

The works of God, above, below, 
Within its. and around. 



I }0 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



Ave pages in that book, to show 
How God himself is found." 

I passed leisurely through the magnificent park and out upon 
the broad avenue, bordered with trees and paved with milk white 
stones. It was my intention to visit one of the institutions of 
learning, pointed out to me by Thalia. I had turned from the 
avenue for this purpose, when I saw a man approaching. He was 
tall and spare, with wild eyes, haggard face, muttering to himself,, 
and gesticulating violently with his arms. As soon as he saw me, 
he quickened his step, and when within speaking distance, he 
said : 

" Madam ! can you tell me where I can find Jesus? See, a stain 
is on my soul ! He alone can remove it! I have traveled far, over 
mountains and glens, over continents and oceans, the last journey 
was a long one ; they tried to make me rest, saying Jesus would 
come; but I could not, would not believe it. He is here, I must 
see him and implore forgiveness." 

My heart was touched wich pity for the man who had just awoke 
from the trance of death. The dominant idea still retained sup- 
remacy over his bewildered faculties. He continued talking in a 
rapid and disconnected manner, while I was trying to form a suit- 
able answer for his question. Before my thoughts could be em- 
bodied in words, he started on at full speed, crying aloud: 

"Pardon! Pardon! oh, thou Son of God, pardon!" 

I turned to see what it was, that had increased the intensity of 
his excitement. Standing in a mellow light, surrounded by a 
halo of glory, I beheld the tall, dignified form of Gonzalo. The 
man had cast himself at his feet, and continued to implore for 
pardon. Gonzalo placed one hand upon his head, and seemed to 
infuse the calm tranquility of his own nature. He then beckoned 



EXPERIENCES IX SPIRIT LIFE. 



him to follow, and led the way to a beautiful grove, where they 
were lost to my view. 

I cannot describe the intensity of my emotions. The magical 
power of Gonzalo was again exerted upon me, and for a time I 
could neither move nor think Then remembering that he had 
not recognized me, and probably had not seen me, I became more 
self possessed, and continued my walk. I had not proceeded far, 
when I saw a man seated near a small cottage, his face disfigured 
by scars and deep lines, his hands were clasped, and his head bent 
in an attitude of deep dejection. At my approach he arose and 
concealed himself behind the shrubbery, but not before I had a 
full view of his wretched face. My first impression was that of 
disgust, but I soon felt reproached for my selfishness and indiffer- 
ence. There was a familiar look about the eyes and mouth, that 
perplexed me, nor could I dismiss them, until I resolved to call 
on my return. After this my mind was again at rest, and I soon 
stood before 0:12 of the great temples, dedicated to science. 

Here at last I should have time, competent teachers, and all 
tha: was necessary to obtain a thorough knowledge of that grand- 
est of all sciences, Astronomy. I entered the building, was re- 
ceived with kind attention, conducted through its several apart- 
ments , and my soul seemed to expand, while drinking in the great 
thoughts, and learning something of recent astronomical discov- 
eries. I found men and women pursuing their studies with a 
devotion that I had never before witnessed ; each one striving to 
advance with all possible rapidity. The short time I passed in 
this temple, revealed the fact, that the intuitive soul of woman, 
aided greatly in scientific researches. It pointed out the direction 
in w'i':'i facts were to be discovered. Here, as in fact in all 



132 THE PHANTOM FORM 



scientific institutions, the aristocracy of sex is not acknowledged. 
I was delighted with my first experience, and with a lighter heart 
than for many a year, turned my footsteps homeward, dreading 
and shrinking somewhat from the self-imposed task of calling at 
the cottage. 

This feeling so increased, that long before I came in sight of the 
place, I had concluded that it was impossible to pass through the 
ordeal, nor should I bring myself in contact with one so repulsive, 
and shadow the bright light of nature, that I had received at the 
temple, by the deformity of sorrow, perhaps crime. I would let 
him work out his own salvation. As I reached this conclusion, 
I came in sight of the cottage. It was transformed, a halo of glory 
hung over it; every bough, leaf, and flower, seemed to emit a 
colored light peculiar to itself, these beautiful colored rays, blended 
with perfect harmony, forming the most beautiful sight you can 
imagine. Outside the door sat the man I had before seen ; no longer 
bent and crouched by sin and grief, but with his upturned face, 
radiant with the light that fell from one who was leaning over him. 
Gonzalo held the hands of the wretched man, he poured the divine 
light of love into his soul. His presence had transformed every- 
thing. I observed them from the distance, for I dare not approach. 
My selfishness appeared dark and repulsive in the light of his 
angelic love. I heard Gonzalo speak, .drank in the music of his 
voice and the wisdom of his words. He said : 

" Lack of knowledge has made you what you are." "Oh no ! " 
replied the broken voice of the man, " no, I knew the right, but 
did it not." Gonzalo replied, " Lack of knowledge has conferred 
upon you a defective moial nature. The influence of which I 
speak, existed long prior to your birth ; knowledge could not have 
constructed a perfect moral nature, it did not, and cannot now 



EXPERIENCES IN SPIRIT LIFE. I 33 

supply the defects. Wisdom can ; you have erred, but a proper 
course of life, a strong, unswerving will, a consciousness of defects, 
earnest endeavors to rise above them ; a love of right, purity and 
goodness, which will grow by culture, will finally change the weak 
and defective nature you have inherited, to a sound and normal 
condition ; then, over the errors of the past will float the fragrant 
beauty of the present, and these sin marks be completely effected." 

"Oh! tell me how I can rise, where I can look for light? You 
are an angel, guide me, oh, guide me aright!" 

" Seek first to walk upon the lofty hights of self-abnegation. 
Spirits are constantly coming from earth, surrounded by darkness 
much deeper than yours. Seek them, and forget your own sor- 
sow in aiding others, and as you give, you shall receive." 

" Thanks, I will follow your advice, you have brought me the 
first gleam of light, the first ray of hope that has shone upon my 
path for many years. I am debased, degraded, and unworthy of 
your attention, but I will save myself; only tell me, have you 
met — that is — I mean to ask — I want to say, that there is one 
here who was once my wife. I embittered her life, broke her 
heart and caused her death ! Have you seen her, do you know 
her, would she come to me? I have children here. Oh, if I might 
be permitted to see them but once! My wife's name was Emily 
Blackwell, tell me, do you know her?" 

Gonzalo's voice was tremulous, as he replied, " yes, I have 
known her for many years, she has changed since her entrance to 
spirit life ; I will inform her of your arrival." 

" Oh, can I see her, will she consent to see one who blasted her 
young life, who deceived and destroyed her ? " 

" She is a noble woman, and has outgrown all feelings of bit- 
terness," replied Gonzalo. " Stay, do not go yet ! " exclaimed the 



134 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



wretched man, as Gonzalo attempted to move away. " Implore 
her to come to me, and I have a daughter, Emily, do you know 
her ? " 

Gonzalo was silent, and seemed agitated. 

" If you know where to find her, sir, bring her to me, that I 
may obtain forgivness." 

Gonzalo fixed upon me his large magnetic eyes, beckoned me 
to approach, and moved swiftly away. 

You can have but faint conceptions of my emotions ; my feet 
seemed rooted to the earth ; sorrow, shame, fear and love, seemed 
blended in strange confusion. Finally, the good triumphed. I 
advanced and knelt at the r eet of the man, whom I had vowed to 
hate through eternity. I was conscious that I was acting under 
the controlling power of Gonzalo ; for, inwardly I shrank from him 
before whom I bowed. My father looked upon me, long and 
earnestly, and murmured: 

" It is another angel come to bless me, but not so bright as the 
first." 

His memory could not recall my face, and it was long before I 
had strength and moral courage to give him facts to prove my 
identity. At last the truth dawned upon him, and he threw him- 
self at my feet, and begged my pardon. While listening to his 
words of self reproach, for the first time I caught a glimpse of the 
one spark of goodness that had been concealed by mountains of 
wrong ; and I learned that : 

" There never yet was found a heart, 
Where virtue all had died ; 
'Twas lurking in some unseen part. 
We've all our angel side.*' 

I will not repeat our long conversation ; suffice it to say, that 



EXPERIENCES IX SPIRIT LIFE. 



:>:> 



the example of Gonzalo, shamed me into acting as a missionary 
to one whom I had looked upon as my greatest enemy. I left 
my father in a more quiet state of mind, and with hasty step 
sought my room, where the memory of the noble face, the rich, 
musical voice, and the boundless, unselfish love of Gonzalo fol- 
lowed me like an actual presence and awoke in my heart a desire 
to be worth}' the esteem of so noble a nature. 







CHAPTER VIII. 

A New Life — Universities, Education — Reform In Spirit Life — Societies And Class- 
es — Mythological Errors Sometimes Long Ad lie red To — Meeting Of Husband 
And Wife Whose Earthly Marriage Had Been Unfortunate. 

"The soul of origin divine, 
God's glorious image, freed from clay. 
Tn heaven's eternal sphere shall shine, 
A star of day ! 

The sun is but a spark of fire, 
A transient meteor in the sky ; 
The soul, immortal as its sire, 
Shall never die." 

/feltlNTO my veins had been poured the elixir of life ; across 
v ^JjljJ my path fell the glory of a new existence. The repulsive 
|)|k shadows of selfishness and unrest were drifting earthward, 
'$ a divine presence seemed to enfold and uplift me ; all things 
combined to recall the memory of one, whose praises my heart 
was ever repeating. If I walked upon the shady lawn, the fra- 
grant breezes repeated his name, and recalled the melodious accents 
of his voice ; every living form was transformed into a likeness of 
him, who was the one star to which my spirit turned. I confi- 
dently expected that Gonzalo would visit me; but days lengthened 
into weeks, weeks into months, and he came not. Mother, Thalia 
and friends were often with me. They rejoiced in my improve- 
ment, but never mentioned Gonzalo, and at last the unpleasant 
conviction forced itself upon me, that I had become interested in 



EXPERIENCES IN SPIRIT LIFE. 137 

one who had forgotton my very existence. I resolved to lock the 
secret in my heart, and apply myself with renewed energy to the 
acquisition of knowledge. 

" 'Tis in ray memory locked, 
And I myself will keep the key of it."' 

I had formed acquaintance with a few congenial friends at the 
school. Ladies and gentlemen, whose lives seemed as isolated as 
my own. Gradually the constraint and suspicious reserve which 
had characterized our intercourse, wore away, and from mutual 
sympathy in our studies, we came into closer and more intimate 
relations. From them I learned much of life in the sphere we 
occupied. Society was divided into many circles. The religious, 
represented by a large and intelligent class ; the worldly and 
thoughtless, intent on seeking their own pleasure, and filling the 
flying hours with what they termed happiness. The scholars, as 
they were called, formed another class. Here was found the most 
advanced thinkers, as well as those, whose whole aim and object 
was the acquisition of truth. This was the least numerous and 
yet the most powerful of the three classes. It was looked up to 
with respect and veneration. The members of this class were 
connected with no religious sect, and had freed themselves from 
all narrow prejudices and sectarian tendencies. These classes do 
not represent those spirits whose attractions are to the earth. I 
was told that missionaries frequently descended and labored with 
the people; but it was a significant fact that they never entered the 
Universities, nor approached one who attended them. 

There was also a class of independent teachers, who, upon their 
arrival from earth, immediately commenced their iconoclastic work. 
This aided in preparing many who were still wrapped in the folds 
of mythological error, for the reception of natural truths ; and 



I38 THE PHANTOM FORM. 

awakened a love for the verities underlying the outer form of 
science. Many had passed from the Universities, gone to dwell 
in higher spheres, returning at times to inform friends of their 
happiness and progress. I was much pleased with the glowing 
descriptions of other spheres of Spirit Life, and enquired how long 
I should occupy my present position before being permitted to 
pass on. 

" That depends upon the rapidity of your progress. Greatly as 
you admire intellectual facts, and earnestly as you are seeking to 
adorn your spirit with pearls of knowledge, your advance is very 
slow. Your heart," continued my friend, "has not yet been 
touched by that broad, humanitarian love, which would lead you 
to forget self and your own attainments, to administer to the ach- 
ing hearts and diseased moral natures, which are constantly rising 
from earth. I have seen you imparting comfort and consolation 
to one, and only one; but judging from your appearance, you 
were not impelled to this work by true sympathy and self abnega- 
tion. It does not brighten your eye and lighten your step as it 
would, had the motive been high." 

My cheek flushed at this allusion to my selfishness, for I was 
compelled to admit its justice, and also that the repulsive man I 
served, was my father. He had often repeated his wish to see 
mother, and I realized that he could never be at rest, until he had 
besought her forgivness. She had hitherto declined to see him, 
sending her pardon by me, and begging him to forget the injus- 
tice of the past and to strive by noble action to become worthy 
the respect of the good and true. This did not satisfy him ; he 
longed to feast his eyes upon her beautiful face, and hear again 
the voice that had so often cheered and soothed him. He never 
wearied in asking questions of her appearance and condition, and 



EXPERIENCES IN SPIRIT LIFE. I 39 

was overjoyed, when at last she consented to meet him. I thought 
it strange that he had never mentioned the Phantom Form, nor 
Eunice ; but, as he avoided the subject, I was silent. 

The day fixed for my mother's arrival, I repaired to the cottage 
where my father spent all of his time ; for he persistently refused 
to mingle in society, and would neither see nor converse with any 
one. His only expressed wish was to see mother. The hot fire 
of remorse seemed burning into his very soul. This woman, 
crushed and despised by him on earth, seemed to hold a wonder- 
ful influence over him ; she was the power that was to compel his 
regeneration. I was at the cottage when mother approached, lean- 
ing upon the arm of my brother, who had left the earth in child- 
hood. I had met him once only, since I passed from the physical 
body, and was delighted to see him again. Father was trembling 
violently as they drew near. He declined to touch the hand ex- 
tended to him, fell at mother's feet, and kissing the hem of her 
garments, implored forgivness for the past. Mother was calm 
and self-composed. With quiet dignity she bade him rise, and 
after presenting his son, whom father had not noticed, she said : 

" I had hoped to avoid the excitement which this meeting must 
cause you The past is dead, bury its errors and wrongs so deep 
that they can never be resurrected. Our marriage was a misfor- 
tune. You were true-to the nature you had inherited. Long, 
long before my flight from earth, the tie that bound us was sev- 
ered ; now every shadow and taint of that earth life has departed. 

I no longer condemn you ; rise, throw off the shadows of selfish- 
ness, pride, and ambition. Beautiful germs are sleeping within 
the chambers of your soul ; permit them to guide you to a noble 
manhood. I am supremely blessed. When you have passed 
above the darkness that now surrounds you, we shall meet as 
friends. Press onward and upward, and now, farewell ! " 



I4O THE PHANTOM FORM. 



" Oh no, no you must not go, do not leave me ! I have much 
to say to you, I must tell you how deeply I have wronged you„ 
how deeply I have sinned against you ! " 

" I have read every page of your life. Know all your weakness, 
all your folly. Freely I forgive, and gladly will aid you as I can.'" 

" Oh thanks, a thousand thanks, but stay ; your purity and 
brightness transforms and elevates me. Oh, if you forgive, will 
you not, — is it too much to ask you to come often, — you, and you 
alone can save me from the haunting memories of the past. You 
can quench the fires of gehenna ! Come and elevate me by your 
presence, tell me of the world in which you live, let me feel that 
we are not entirely sundered ! " 

Mother's fine form was drawn up to its full hight, and her very 
soul seemed luminous in her eyes, as she replied : 

" Love is the most powerful element of the soul, death can never 
touch it! We never loved, else this separation had been impos- 
sible. My pathway lies away over the purple mountains ; there 
is a realm, of whose beauty you have not the faintest conception, 
there are homes, whose outer loveliness correspond to inward har- 
monies. There, friendship and love have ascended loftier hights 
and compassed broader realms, accomplished loftier purposes 
than you can grasp. There is my home, there are the streams 
of wisdom and inspiration, which have prepared me for the work 
in which I am now engaged. To-morrow with a band of noble 
souls I cross the magnetic gulf and pass to a distant sphere, to 
aid in preparing for the influx of light, which is to uplift millions. 
No ties bind me to you, no wish draws me here. We had met 
as meet two atoms in one form, to dwell a time, and then drift 
out into the unknown. Cease trying to draw or hold me, I am 
not a part of your being, nor you of mine. Forget the past, cover 



EXPERIENCES IX SPIRIT LIFE. 



it with the fragrance of noble deeds, and the future will give a 
rich reward, farewell." She bowed gracefully, and moved swiftly 
from the cottage. 

Father cast himself upon the floor, crying, "lost, lost." No, 
not lost, I replied, she is a star whose brightness will ever draw 
you heavenward, an angel whose perfection will save you. Rise, 
rely upon your own strength, I will aid you as best I can. 

" Oh .soul, I said, thy boding murmurs cease ; 
Though sorrow bind thee as a funeral pall, 
Thy father's hand is guiding thee through all, 
His love will bring a true and perfect peace."' 



CHAPTER IX. 

Advancement By Administering To The Needs Of Others — A Park In Sumvie.i 
Land — Meeting An Intimate Friend Of Earth Life — Interesting Topics Dis- 
cussed — Thalia's Home — The Iron Cross, And Crown Of Thorns Exchanged 
For A Jeweled Diadem — Beautiful Scenes, and Impressive Ceremony In Spirit 
Life — Silver Star — Eunice And Her Husband 's Apotheosis. 

" Where sadness long has held control, 
And darkened o'er the suffering soul, 
When amid suffering, pain and strife, 
Man almost wearies of this life, 
And in despair of solace nigh, 
Would gladly lay him down and die. 

Then on the heart, afflictions shock 
Falls like the rod upon the rock. 
Tears flow, they wash away the pain — 
The fainting spirit lives again ; 
Man springs from terror and dismay, 
And goes with gladness on his way. 

'ITHIN the archieves of the spirit are stored exhaustless 
treasures, which time and culture bring to the surface. 
Embosomed in beauty, over-arched by the crystal sky of 
truth, the spirit bides its time, assured the hour approaches, 
when it can put on the diamond crown, flooding life with its in- 
effable beauty. Slowly the dross had been consumed in the fiery 







EXPERIENCES IN SPIRIT LIFE. 143 

flames of affliction ; slowly the pure and noble attributes of my 
better nature were asserting their power. My sympathies were 
touched, and warmed into practical use, by the constant demand 
upon them for advice and aid from sad and uncultured spirits, 
constantly arriving from the earth. 

It was impossible to administer to the needs of these unfortu- 
nates, without having the work, at first only mechanical, finally 
broaden into the deepest interest for all who were anxiously seek- 
ing to emancipate themselves from the effect of ignorant and mis- 
directed lives. O, how grand and elevating, to be thus engaged 
in aiding others in advancing to higher and happier conditions t 
I loved my work, was contented with the position assigned me, 
and realized that each day brought its own peace and happiness, 
and added something toward the complete emancipation of my 
own spirit. 

My dear mother expressed much pleasure at the change 
through which I had passed, and I felt something akin to the 
tender love of childhood glow in my heart, as I listened to her 
words of commendation. While in this state of mind, I was 
agreeably surprised one morning to receive a call from Thalia. 
She called, to invite me to attend a Reception to be held at her 
home I was delighted, and at once prepared to accompany her. 

" I have come early," said Thalia, " that we may travel leisurely, 
enjoy the rich and varied scenery, and also that we may spend 
some time with two friends, upon whom I desire to call, and 
whose company I hope to obtain for the remainder of the journey/ 

Never was there a lovlier morning, never had the spirit home 
seemed so bright and attractive. AVe soon left the great city, and 
moved out into the open country ; not into broad, uncultivated 
tracts, filled with rocks, dwarfed and stunted shrubs ; but into a 



144 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



magnificent park, adorned by the lavish hand and artistic design 
of nature. Tall, graceful trees, crowned with dark, glossy foliage, 
stood in groups upon the verdant hills, and in the lovely vales ; 
some standing like lonely sentinels, over-topping all others, their 
cool shadows moving gently to and fro across the flower-enameled 
sod. Such a profusion of gorgeous flowers of every conceivable 
shape and tint, I had never seen. Silver cascades and crystal 
waterfalls cast their rainbow-tinted spray upon rocks, whiter and 
smoother than finest polished marble. There were birds whose 
plumage seemed dipped in sunsets vermilion dyes. Some had the 
appearance of purest saphire, others had caught the golden glory 
of the topaz. They flitted among the emerald leaves, presenting 
a scene of beauty seldom witnessed. Their sweet voices, mingled 
with the beauty of singing streams and murmuring fountains, 
filled the air with melody. I would fain have lingered longer in 
this delightful place, but Thalia reminded me that we had but just 
started, that to loose sight of present surroundings, was only to 
pass to scenes that would far surpass them. Nearly half the day 
had been consumed before we entered the fairy barque, that was 
to take us from the sphere I had so long called home. 

The purple twilight fell upon the sea, ere we disembarked, and 
followed the guide, who conducted us to Mrs. Arnold's. I found 
in Mrs. A. a lady who had been one of my intimate friends of 
earth life. She had been in spirit life a much shorter time than I, 
but had advanced more rapidly. Her earth marriage had been a 
happy one, and had not been broken by death. It was indeed a 
privilege to rest in their heavenly home, which no shadow had 
ever entered. Cut off as I had been, from communion with friends 
of earlier days, you can scarcely imagine the pleasure this unex- 
pected meeting afforded me. The warm heart, genial disposition, 



EXPERIENCES IN SPIRIT LIFE. I45 

and well stored mind of Mrs. Arnold, filled the house with the 
rich aroma of her intellectual and social life. I was delighted to 
learn that they were to accompany us on our journey. The next 
day we traveled leisurly, calling at midday upon a friend. While 
Thalia was visiting with her friend, Mrs. Arnold suggested that 
we should view the city. Seated in an elegant carriage, we passed 
rapidly through broad avenues thronged with earnest, thoughtful 
men and women, whose peaceful, happy look presented a striking 
contrast to the care-worn faces of earth. I soon came to the con- 
clusion that the drive was designed, not so much to give me an 
opportunity to see the city, as to afford Mrs. A. suitable time to 
-ask certain questions. Her object I could not then understand, 
but I will give the conversation as near as I can recall it. 

" You have never left the first sphere. Have you not wished 
for a change in your monotonous life ? " 

I have been quite happy, I replied, and until quite recently, have 
had no desire to change. 

" I understand that your mother is to attend the Reception, would 
you like to see her in her own home? " 

Yes, I think I shall soon enjoy that privilege. 

" How did your mother's marriage affect you ? " 

It was unexpected, I had not believed such a thing could occur, 
but I rejoice in her happiness. 

" Pardon me, but has your mother spoken to you of Eunice?" 

Never ! I should like to hear from her. Poor child ! I can now 
understand how much she suffered. 

" Have you any unkind feelings toward her ? " 

No, on the contrary, I realize that I have wronged her. I was 
ignorant and self willed. 

"One more question. Are you completely emancipated, is 



46 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



there no lingering affection for the man for whom you sacrificed 
so much ? " 

" No, that love burned itself out long ago ! Now I see how blind 
and foolish I was, to wish for, or attempt to hold the love that 
never could become mine. I have wept many bitter tears over 
my folly, and prayed fervently for his happiness with the sweet 
spirit he calls his own. As I ceased speaking, Mrs. Arnold threw 
her arms around me, and impulsively kissing me, said : 

" Dear friend, you have triumphed at last, prepare to wear the 
crown of rejoicing." 

On our return we found Thalia waiting, anxious to proceed,, 
and we were soon moving. rapidly toward our destination. Thal- 
ia's cheerfulness and exuberance of spirit increased as we ap- 
proached her home. Mrs. Arnold was joyous as a bird, while I 
was awed into silence by the loveliness of the scenes through 
which we were passing, and the strange, yet vivid impression, that 
a startling revelation was soon to be made. As we approached 
the mansion pointed out by Thalia as her home, my excitement 
became intense, and did not abate until we entered the spacious 
building, where we were welcomed by Mr. Mazzola, Thalia's hus- 
band, cousin to Gonzalo, whose memory was a sacred presence in 
my soul. Thalia never appeared to better advantage, than when 
presiding over her own home ; her sweet face was radiant, and her 
musical voice thrilling in its tender pathos. The ease and com- 
posure of Mr. Mazzola quieted my perturbed spirit, and put to 
flight the apprehension that had so annoyed me. Before retiring,. 
Thalia gave me the full history of her life, and explained how she 
came to act as my guardian. This revelation is too long to re- 
peat, I will only give her closing words. 

" Emily dear ! I am the happiest woman in this bright sphere^ 



EXPERIENCES IN SPIRIT LIFE. 1 47 

and I trust the day is not far distant, when you will be as happy. 
Your mother will come early in the morning. I have two requests 
to make: first, that I may be permitted to select and arrange your 
wardrobe; second, that you ask for no explanation of what may 
seem to you inexplicable." 

I willingly acquiesced, and we parted to seek rest. I soon sank 
into that dreamless condition which so closely resembles sleep, 
and thus remained until aroused by a gentle motion of the deli- 
cate hangings surrounding my couch. The next moment, my 
mothers large eyes were gazing tenderly upon me. How noble 
and grand she appeared. Her ever active spirit seemed to robe 
iiself in the imperishable beauty of the lofty aspirations it cher- 
ished. 

On sped the fairy-footed hours, until morning was lost in the 
splendor of noon, then mother, who had given me a description 
of her journey to a distant planet, once the home of her compan- 
ion, said : " Now, my child, I must leave you for a time, we shall 
meet again this evening." 

I was alone, and anxiously waited for the appearance of Thalia, 
but no one entered my room, and no sound of voice or step 
reached me, until evening. Then Mrs. Arnold came, and after 
apologizing for seeming neglect, conducted me to another apart- 
ment, where I found Thalia waiting to receive me. She said : 

" Dear Emily, the house is filled with friends, and the ceremony 
I brought you here to witness, will soon commence. No one be- 
sides your mother knows of your arrival. I have prepared a 
pleasant surprise for more than one of my guests, so please per- 
mit these ladies to aid in arranging your toilet." To this I made 
no objection, only wondering why Thalia manifested so much in- 
terest in my personal appearance. After all was completed, Thalia 
led me to the mirror and asked: 



4§ THE PHANTOM FORM. 



" Is there anything in that queenly form, that calm, intelligent 
face, those large, brilliant eyes, to remind you of the wretched 
woman that once crouched in a corner of a little room where a 
marriage ceremony was being performed ? " 

Please, do not speak of my folly ! There is not a greater con- 
trast between this shining gossamer robe, and the sombre mantle 
that once enfolded me, than between my spirit in its prison of sel- 
fishness and pride, and my spirit emancipated and joyously wing- 
ing its flight toward the mountains of intellectual and moral worth. 

At that moment Mrs. Arnold entered and announced that Mr. 
Mazzola was* waiting to conduct us to the drawing room. Passing 
to a private parlor, we were joined by a group of ladies and gen- 
tlemen, all strangers to me, and to whom I was not introduced. 
Moving on through the grand entrance, we stood in the' spacious 
apartment. I was unprepared for the scene that suddenly burst 
upon me. The room was elegantly furnished, from the velvet 
carpet to the delicate lace hangings, and its rich works of art. 
Across one end of the room was a raised platform, covered with 
bright-tinted mosses, and so arranged as to present the appearance 
of mosaic work. Over this was a canopy of delicate vines and 
white blossoms. Under the canopy stood a rustic seat, cushioned 
with moss. Two fountains sent forth their jets of silver spray, 
sparkling like diamonds. There were exquisite vases, filled with 
choice flowers ; in fact, the room seemed filled with these beauti- 
ful products of nature. Across the platform hung crimson silk 
curtains, festooned with hangings of delicate lace. We passed 
down the brilliantly lighted room, and joined my mother and her 
companion, a man of majestic presence, large brain and intellec- 
tual face. Before a word had been exchanged, sounds of joyous 
music filled the room, the crimson curtains swept aside, revealing 



EXPERIENCES IN SPIRIT LIFE. 1 49 

an arch formed with buds and flowers. Standing under the arch 
was a spirit of whose celestial beauty no language can convey an 
adequate conception. Imagine a woman with graceful form and 
perfect features; her white face illuminated, large azure eyes and 
a profusion of shiny hair, falling around her like a veil of gold. 
In one hand she held a crown of thorns, in the other an iron cross. 
In a moment the curtain fell and was again instantly raised, re- 
vealing Gonzalo standing by the side of the angelic spirit. Tak- 
ing the crown and cross from her hand, he said : 

11 Long have these cruel thorns rested upon your weary brow, 
and pierced with anguish the tender, loving heart. Long has the 
iron cross crushed the broken spirit. Cross and crown have in- 
flicted wounds that have required many, many years to efface. 
To-night the last vestige of their power falls from you. Pass 
through the triumphal-arch and receive the diadem whose spark- 
ling jewels tipify the purity and worth of your spirit." The lady 
addressed bowed her beautiful head, upon which Gonzalo placed 
the jeweled crown, then turning to the company he said : 

" I am happy to introduce to you, one who has passed through 
many trials and has nobly won the crown of merit. Silver Star 
will be warmly received, and add light and brilliancy to the gal- 
axy she now enters." 

Silver Star took a seat amid the flowers, and again the music 
pealed forth its enlivening strains. 

11 Do you recognize her?" whispered my mother. 

Yes, it is the Phantom Form. I was about to ask an explana- 
tion of the ceremony, when my attention was called to the cur- 
tain, which was slowly moving aside, revealing a woman more 
lovely than the first. Her features, eyes and hair, were an exact 



50 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



counterpart of the first. She wore a blue robe artistically trimmed 
with fleecy lace, and delicate white flowers. It was Eunice ! Oh, 
how my heart throbbed and thrilled at the sight of her, her whom 
I had loved and hated so intensly ! She was not alone, by her 
side stood the man for whose love I was at one time, willing to 
barter my soul. Now, I looked calmly upon his bright, hand- 
some face, and marveled at the infatuation that so long a time per- 
verted my reason, reducing me to the abject position of a slave. 
I had but a moment for thought, for Gonzalo arose and addressed 
the assembly as follows : 

"The goblet of life holds no elixir more potent than love; it 
transmutes the selfish propensities into noble aspirations and 
deeds; its Godlike power will eventually lift all souls above the 
baneful influence of crime, and emancipate all who dwell in the 
prison-house of sorrow and despair. Among love's protean forms, 
none is more beautiful than the conjugal. It gilds the sorrows 
and toils of earth life, and is the glory of all higher spheres. 
You see before you two spirits who have received instruction from 
the divine teacher. Five years since, death opened the door 
through which this lady passed from the physical form. So strong 
were the ties that bound her to her companion, that she declined 
to leave the earth, until he could accompany her. As soon as 
this change came, the)' were conducted to the Arbor of Repose, 
where they have remained until the present, and now gladly unite 
with you in celebrating their apotheosis and reiterating their vows 
of love and fidelity." 

At these words, Eunice and her companion advanced to the 
front, standing with clasped hands, while Gonzalo uttered the fol- 
lowing invocation : 

""Spirit of Light! Thy all-enfolding law of love, that giveth to 



EXPERIENCES IX SPIRIT LIFE. I 5 I 



each its own, hath woven its garland of beauty for these two souls. 
One in spirit, may they walk the starry hights of purity and peace. 
Their vows enameled on the tablets of the spirit, require no out- 
ward expression. May they ever realize the presence of thy di- 
vine love and the guiding power of wisdom." 

Eunice then said : u With deep and holy reverence we bow be- 
fore the sacred law of marriage ; that law written before the world 
was. To it the truly married yield implicit obedience, and find 
the auroral splendor of love, lightning each hour of existence. 
With a deeper knowledge than ever before of the spiritual signi- 
ficance, and the grand mission of love, we again stand before its 
altars, and in its holy name proclaim to the world of spirits, that 
we are one." 

Eunice ceased speaking, and her companion gave a brief, but 
brilliant address. Then followed general congratulations, music, 
poems, and appropriate addresses. 




CHAPTER X. 

Strange Meeting — A Family Reunion In The Summer Land — Ceremony Related In 
Last Chapter Explained — Condition Of A Class Of Despised Women — Obstacles 
To Their Restoration To Virtuous Life— Silver Star, THE PHANTOM 
FORM, Opens The Book Of Her Life. 

"To recreate mankind, to re-unite 
Man with his fellow, and all men to God, 
To kindle up the dark material clod 
Of man's external, to remove dull night, 
Is thine, 0, Immortality ! Thy reign 
Is not alone in that supernal fane, 
The temple of the skies. To earth below 
Thou comest. Wheresoe'er thy angels go, 
Man's body is renewed. To harmonize 
Man's form material, with swift ministries 
Of Love and Wisdom, thy perpetual toil ; 
Man from his grief and bondage to assoil, 
They labor. It is theirs to purify 
Man's inward shrine, to clear the minds blue sky 
From earth-born shadows, to remove the veil 
That hides the Spirit-world. Where they prevail 
Body and mind alike are born anew, 
As flowers that drink new life from morning dew." 

|#||REAT was the surprise of the little party when they recog- 

|S||| nized familiar faces, and again heard loving voices, listened 

aL to on earth. I will not attempt to describe the meeting 

* between Eunice and myself. It is enough to say, it restored 

to my heart the sweet, holy love of a sister, and removed from 



EXPERIENCES IN SPIRIT LIFE. 153 

the mind of Eunice, the fear that I was stilJ the victim of mis- 
placed affection. Gonzalo greeted me with a glad smile, and my 
former husband, taking my hand and looking into my eyes, said": 

" Dear sister Emily, I thank God that you have escaped from 
the terrible effects of my ignorance and folly. Each year that 
has passed since our separation, has been shadowed by the thought 
that your life was still darkened by our unfortunate marriage. I 
rejoice to know that you are free, and am glad to meet you glow- 
ing with life and beauty, and crowned with the inestimable jewels 
of intellectual and spiritual culture. Let us forget the past and 
live in the happiness, the joy of the present." 

The presence of strangers prevented further special conversa- 
tion upon subjects nearest our hearts, and it was agreed to have 
a family re-union at the cottage, which loving hands had prepared 
for the future home of Silver Star. Accordingly, on the following 
morning we met on the beautiful lawn surrounding the mansion. 
Seated beneath the emerald canopy, formed by interlacing branch- 
es and glossy leaves — Thalia, her husband, and Gonzalo being 
the only persons present, not members of the family; Gonzalo 
said: 

" Friends, I have been so long and so intimately acquainted 
with most of you, there seems nothing unnatural or improper in 
my accepting the kind invitation to meet with your family, and 
listen to the revelation which so deeply concerns those to whom 
I am related by the ties of friendship. Before we listen *to this 
recital, I have been requested to give a brief explanation of the 
ceremony of last evening. In this sphere every form is an em- 
bodiment of principles; every symbol a representative of truth. 
They are used as pictures, a representation of divine realities. 
Such was the ceremony you witnessed. 



54 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



Silver Star represented a despised class, looked upon as the vilest 
of earth. Selfish, heartless society, closes every avenue through 
which they might return to virtuous, innocent life. With repu- 
tation blasted, love transformed into a blighting curse, deserted 
by friends and surrounded by cruel, vindictive foes; homeless, 
friendless, — the black gulf of despair before them, Oh, what is 
there left but death! Oh! how unjust is earthly society in this 
regard ! 

" Why condemn 
One soul to hopeless ruin for a fault, 
And open for the other all the homes 
Where wealth stands bowing to receive the guest, 
And beauty crown him with her festal flowers. 
Two sinners fall into the same great sin ; — 
One lays her pale, white infant in the grave, 
And, broken hearted, haunts the public streets ; — 
Perchance the other rises in the scale 
Of wealth and office, till the peoples voice 
Hail him as ruler in the commonwealth, 
And bishops bless for him the plenteous board, 
And when he dies, the public papers groan 
With weight and lamentation ; for 'his worth,' 
They say, 'was great ;' the obelisk ascends, 
The statue, poem, picture, eulogy, 
All tell his virtues, and make wide his fame." 

She who can triumph over these soul crushing obstacles, she 
who dares to live, and through persistent effort and herculean 
strength, wring from a reluctant world an acknowledgment of 
her innate purity, and noble, self-sacrificing love, has won a crown 
far brighter than the jewels bestowed upon our sister last evening. 
To illustrate this principle, she whom man had cast from the pale 
of society and doomed to a life of infamy, or to suicide, has been 
joyously received by God's pure angels and crowned with jewels, 



EXPERIENCES IX SPIRIT LIFE. 155 

typifying the recognition of her purity. Eunice, the poor little 
waif, deserted by her father, separated from her mother, and left 
to perish in the icy breath of winter; saved by the almost super- 
human efforts of a woman ; her heritage was shame. Even her 
wondrous beauty, served but to suggest to him, who should have 
been her protector, the path which he hoped might lead to her 
ruin. His diabolical scheme was frustrated by the watchful care 
of angels. At last love touched her young heart! Bravely she 
struggled against its giant power, until at the door of death, the 
angels again interposed, restored her to health and convinced her 
of the purity of that divine love, which drew her with irresistable 
force to one, already bound by the outward form of marriage to 
a loved sister. Her decision drew upon her the hatred of the 
world. She had dared to accept the love that had been pledged 
to another. Mere human laws she disregarded, and in conse- 
quence, society prepared for her its most bitter cup. Year after 
year she bore the heavy burden, nobly performing her every duty, 
and looking forward to the time when her position would be un- 
derstood, and the scornful looks and cruel anathemas of the world, 
be transformed to smiles of approval and words of encouragement. 
Eunice lived much alone, ever true to the love that was the one 
star of her life, and when at last she passed from the physical 
body, no priest spoke words of commendation or gave to mourning 
friends hope for her future. Alas for such as she ! ' Illegitimate,' 
therefore they have no rights to the blessings of life. Their love 
may have been as pure as the snow flake and true as the stars in 
their course, but misunderstood, therefore diabolical. Their lives 
may be glorified by deeds of charity and kindness, their whole 
natures aglow with human sympathy, yet an intolerant spirit os- 
tracises them on earth, and consigns them to eternal torture after 



56 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



death. But the eternal law of justice holds them, and they are 
borne into the presence of those who have a child-like faith in the 
controlling power of the universe. 

Here, fidelity to principle receives its just reward, and the laws 
of God are recognized as supreme. They overarch the sphere of 
individual and social life and ray their happifying influence through 
all the higher planes of spiritual existence. Spirits rejoice in the 
moral courage which enables its possessor, to calmly and nobly 
live the life that seems to him the true one. Putting away all 
lower considerations, even saying to friendship ; 'Your silver links 
shall not keep me from traversing the roughest seas and unex- 
plored continents, if necessary for truth's sake. I must possess 
myself ! Bowing reverently to the unseen forces surging around 
and through me ; squaring my life by the law of natural justice, 
my spirit must emancipate itself from all that seemeth wrong. 
From this you will understand that intelligences in this sphere, 
appreciate and aid in every effort put forth for the emancipation 
of the spirit. While they recognize the use of many forms and 
conditions existing upon earth, they also realize that the soul is 
greater than all, and must eventually rise and assert its suprema- 
cy. To those upon earth w T ho can accept and dedicate themselves 
to this truth, they send flashes of inspirational power, and extend 
a cordial greeting when they enter the higher life." 

Gonzalo closed, and Silver Star said : 

" It now becomes my duty to open the book of my life, that 
my child and the dear friends here, may understand many things 
that have seemed wrapped in mystery. I was an only child, of 
poor but respectable parents, and until my fourteenth birthday 
was as joyous and free from care as the birds that flitted around 
our cottage. My parents were strictly orthodox, kind and char- 



EXPERIENCES IN SPIRIT LIFE. 157 

itable to all worthy objects, but unforgiving and cruel to all who 
entertained opposite opinions. They were members of the Church 
of England, in their opinion, the only true church. 

" To me they were indulgent and affectionate. I knew no law 
but their will. My pliant disposition had prevented the inharm- 
ony often existing between parents and children. I had the great- 
est respect for their judgment, and never thought of questioning 
their right to fully control my life. Such was my home and con- 
ditions, when we received a letter from my father's sister, a widow 
lady, residing in a distant city, inviting me to pass the winter 
months with her. She spoke of the many advantages it would 
afford me. As my aunt was childless, possessed of a laro"e for- 
tune and a Christian, my parents cheerfully consented to the 
proposed visit. It was far from my thought as I bade adieu to 
my home and friends, that it was a last farewell; that friends, in- 
nocence and love would drift from me, as I was drifting from the 
protecting care of my parents. 

" In my new home I was very lonely. Aunt Ellen was a cold, 
loveless woman. A constant constraint and formality, chilled my 
sensitive and affectionate nature. I was constantly reproved for 
my childish words, which to her seemed inappropriate among the 
fashionable people frequenting her elegant drawing rooms. 

" One Sunday while in church, my attention was attracted by 
the steady gaze of a young man, who sat in a pew directly oppo- 
site to one we occupied. He sought and obtained an introduction 
to my aunt, and became a constant caller. His respectful atten- 
tion, warm, sympathetic professions and social nature, won my 
attention. I learned to look forward to the evenings he spent 
with us, as the happiest of my life. He was a stranger in the city, 
and would have been more cautiously received, but for his pro- 



I58 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



fessed piety and letters of church recommendation, which com- 
pletely blinded my aunt to his true character. He won my aunt's 
confidence, and my love. Yes, I loved him with all the purity 
and trust of a child ; and when he told me of his father's deter- 
mination to compel him by threat of disinheritance, to wed one 
whom he could never love ; of the struggle between what he con- 
sidered obligations to parents and self duty ; of his final decision 
to separate himself from his luxurious home and the love of 
friends, — to live unloved and alone and carve out a fortune for 
himself; I felt that he was worthy of my confidence. He spoke 
of the tender love I had awakened in his heart, and asked me to 
bless his weary life by the light and warmth of my love ; said he 
could live content for years, if he could cherish the hope of at last 
winning my affections, but for reasons he would soon explain, it 
would be necessary that our love should be concealed. I saw 
not the diabolical plot concealed beneath these honied words, 
and agreed to say nothing of our love. 

" He ended, and his words replete with guile 
Into my heart too easy entrance won." 

" Two weeks after this conversation he called, greatly depressed 
in spirit, said he had just heard of the serious illness of his father,, 
and that his mother had requested his immediate return ; his 
father was anxious to see him before his death. Father, said he, 
will make a last request, which I fear I cannot refuse. It is this 
thought of separation from you, that drives me to despair. I see 
but one way to escape, but, I fear your love is not strong enough 
for that ! 

" What is it ? I asked, trembling with agitation. 

" That you will have sufficient confidence in me, to consent to 
a secret marriage. We can go out for a walk, call upon a cler- 



EXPERIENCES IX SPIRIT LIFE. 159 

gyman, after the ceremony you can return, and I will go at once 
to my father, with the consciousness that no power on earth can 
separate us. 

" I will not repeat what he said to obtain my consent. It is 
enough to say, that my childish reason yielded to his strong will. 
He left, promising to write every day, and return as soon as pos- 
sible. Deprived of his society, the terrible secret eating out my 
heart, I lost all interest in life ; I shed floods of tears over my 
mother's letters, and resolved to unburden my heart to her; but 
shame and fear stifled the tide of emotion, and prevented the con- 
fession that would have proved my salvation. The four weeks of 
my lover's absence were in seeming, as four long years. But 
when he returned, all sorrow was forgotten in the joy of seeing 
him again. His sad, care-worn face, told of bis struggles and 
anxiety. He said his father had been near death's door, but con- 
trary to all expectation, he had rallied and was now out of dan- 
ger. He had not relinquished the hope that his son would con- 
sent to the union he had so long desired. He had not thought 
best to oppose his father. In a few months he would be stronger, 
then he should tell him all, and he thought his love would be 
stronger than his anger. I rejoiced that my lover and his father 
were reconciled, and suggested that while he was thus waiting 
for his father's recovery, I should go home, inform my parents 
of our marriage, and wait there until circumstances would per- 
mit him to acknowledge our union before the world. To this he 
replied : 

'You do not love me as I thought, or you would not talk thus 
calmly of leaving me for many months. Had you suffered as I 
have, you would never consent to another separation.' 

" Finally, his manner was so earnest, I believed him worthy of 



60 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



any sacrifice on my part, and when he proposed as the only feas- 
ible plan, that we should go among strangers and live devoted to 
each other, until he could take his bride to his boyhood home, 
after some hesitation, with no friend to advise, I consented to 
leave my aunt's house, and accompany my husband to a distant 
city. For six months he was kind and affectionate, did all in his 
power to make my life happy. My parents silence was the only 
cloud that shadowed my life. 

" A few months of happiness, and then my husband informed 
me that he had been summoned to his father's death-bed. He 
would be compelled to leave me for a few days, after which there 
would be no necessity for further separation. He left, and I re- 
entered the now desolate rooms, to wait and count the hours un- 
til I should receive his promised letter. It is impossible for me 
to describe my wretchedness as day after day passed and no 
word received from him. I was penniless and friendless. My 
landlady soon comprehended the situation, took possession of 
my wardrobe, and closed her doors upon me. Never was there 
a more heartbroken, desolate woman. I decided to sell my little 
stock of jewelry and go to my mother ; surely she would receive 
me and forgive my folly and sin ! 

" It was evening when I arrived in my native village, and with 
burning cheeks and tottering steps approached my home. Let 
me draw a veil over the scene that followed. The bitter, cruel 
words of my mother were like dagger thrusts. I was driven 
from the home of my childhood, and told that I could hope for 
no mercy here, or hereafter. This cruelty was too much for my 
already nearly exhausted strength to endure. I sank upon the 
icy pavement, where I remained until a charitable stranger caused 
my removal to a place of refuge. When the morning dawned, 



EXPERIENCES IN SPIRIT LIFE. l6l 

a little form was nestling to my side, and a baby voice recalled 
me to a sense of the responsibility resting upon me. For my 
innocent child, I would live and labor ! Alas ! the sweet hope, 
born of a mother's love was doomed to an early death. Before 
evening, a fever was burning in my blood, and delirium had 
usurped the throne of reason. AVhen I drifted back to conscious- 
ness, my faithful nurse informed me that I had revealed the story 
of my wrong ; and, continued the good woman : ' You told the 
villain's name. I did not recognize it, but when you insisted that 
I should open that little locket, / knew who it was that had de- 
ceived you. It is a sad story, but you are not his first victim. 
I know where he is ; will keep my eye upon him. But; you are 
faint, I have talked too much. Don't talk, I have the child and 
will take care of it.' 

" I was too weak to talk, too sad, anxious and troubled to rest. 
The next day the nurse informed me that she had seen my hus- 
band, had told him that I was dead, that she would expose him 
to my parents, unless he adopted the child. He gave a reluctant 
consent. Lilian was left upon his door steps, and his good wife 
adopted her ; the husband insisting, however, that the name be 
changed to Eunice. When satisfied that my darling was under 
the protection of a kind-hearted woman, I sank into a peaceful 
slumber from which I did not again awake on earth. 

" Oh gentle death, Oh gentle dream, 
How sweet your mild control ; 
Ve both unbar the body's gate 
For the departing soul." 

" As a spirit, I watched and guarded my child, and now in the 
presence of angels, am proud to acknowledge her." 



CHAPTER XL 

Gonzald's Revelation — A Grand Tour To Another Sphere — Wonderful Experien- 
ces — A Realm Of Beauty — Marriage — The Great Work In Which I Am 
Engaged — Employments In The Spirit World. 

" It is a fearful thing 
To love as I love thee ; to feel the world — 
The bright, the beautiful, joy-giving world — 
A blank without thee. Never more to me 
Can hope, joy, fear, wear different seeming. Xow, 
I have no hope that does not dream for thee ; 
I have no joy that is not shared by thee ; 
I have no fear, that does not dread for thee : 
All that I once took pleasure in — my lute, 
Is only sweet, when it repeats thy name ; 
My flowers, I only gather them for thee ; 
The book drops listless down, I cannot read, 
Unless it is to thee ; my lonely hours 
Are spent in shaping forth our future lives, 
After my own romantic fantasies. 
He is the star round which my thoughts revolve 
Like satellites." 

f§) EXPECTED to return, and continue my studies in the 

school where I had gained so many important truths, and 

JfL was saddened by the thought of being again separated 

* from Eunice and other friends. My dear mother read 

my unspoken thoughts, and taking me aside, said ; 

" Dear child, let not your heart be troubled, this is your home 




d- 



EXPERIENCES IN SPIRIT LIFE. I 63 



if you desire to remain. You would have been brought here be- 
fore, had it not been thought best to test your newly acquired 
power, by bringing you unexpectedly in the presence of Eunice 
and her husband. The result proves that we had not over-esti- 
mated your strength, Thalia desired to have you remain with 
her, but Silver Star claims you for a time. Remain, and gain 
wisdom from her. If you wish to devote yourself to any special 
study, you will find every facility you desire. I am glad you 
have dedicated yourself to the acquisition of knowledge. Soon, 
divine love will impel you to give to others the ennobling truths 
you have attained. I have long known you were adapted for the 
position of instructor. Your earth experience prepared you for 
the reception of certain principles which you will be instrumen- 
tal in imparting to many a weary heart. Great will be my joy, 
when you realize the importance of the work. 

" There is no higher mission, than to present to mortals and 
spirits a knowledge of the purity and justice of those great laws, 
which, if conformed to, will crown individuals with the choicest 
blessings of life. Ignorance of the natural, fear and worship of 
the supernatural, disregard of the laws of God, and blind obe- 
dience to priests, has kept humanity in ignorance, and filled the 
earth with injustice, sorrow and crime. To this cause may be 
traced many of the depressing influences that retard the pro- 
gress of the soul, even after it has entered spirit life. You have 
seen something of this, but not until fully prepared by the hallow- 
ing influence of love, to administer to the necessities of these un- 
fortunate classes, will you be able to look upon the night side of 
Spirit Life. 

" Now my child, I must leave you, and join the bright band 
about to depart on a mission of mercy. It is charming to know 



164 THE PHANTOM FORM. 

that you are drawing nearer to me in spirit, and to feel as I do, 
that the time is not far distant when you will form one of our 
circle, co-operating with us in our labor of love." 

"Alone ! Alone ! How drear it is, 
Always to be alone ! " 

Alone ! It seemed that I had never before felt the full signifi- 
cance of the word, never before realized the necessity of com- 
panionship as at that moment. I was surrounded by beautiful 
forms, bright tints and sweet sounds. In the home of Silver Star 
I knew warm hearts waited to bid me welcome. Then why this 
utter loneliness ? Mine was a stormy life ! Was I never to enjoy the 
unalloyed felicity that blessed others? I confess that I saw little 
hope or inspiration in the future, of which my mother had spo- 
ken so confidently. To always resign my higher aspirations for 
the benefit of others ; see them bask in the sunshine of happiness 
of which I was deprived ; forever to walk in the lonely valley of 
self-abnegation, was far from my ideal of happiness. 

From these gloomy mediations I was aroused by hearing my 
name pronounced in the rich, melodious voice that ever caused 
a tide of emotions hard to control. Looking up, I saw Gonzalo ! 
Bowing gracefully, and taking a seat beside me, he said : 

" If I am not intruding, I will remain. This beautiful grotto is 
a favorite resort. Here there are no distracting influences, noth- 
ing to interfere with repose, or disturb the mind. Surely, no 
other spot could be better adapted for the purpose for which I 
came, and for the revelation I have to make." 

" I will first give you a sketch of my earth life. I never knew 
a mother's love, or a father's blessing, and not until after many 
years in spirit life did I know who my parents were. I will not 
dwell upon the loneliness of my childhood, the yearnings of my 



EXPERIENCES IN SPIRIT LIFE. 165 

heart for affection and sympathy, which was not found in the 
orphan asylum to which I was consigned in infancy, and where 
I passed the early years of my life. From the time I left it, until 
death closed the scene and liberated my weary spirit, life was 
dark and joyless, and one of constant toil. At the age of eigh- 
teen I was engaged in marriage to a lady, whom I deemed in 
every way worthy the affection which I lavished upon her. From 
this dream of love I was rudely awakened to learn that my idol 
was clay. It was long before I could realize that one so beauti- 
ful could be so false and fickle. To lose faith in her was to lose 
interest and faith in every one. I resolved thenceforth to steel 
my heart against friendship and love, go back to the isolated life 
for which fate seemed to have designed me. 

" I will not sadden you, by relating my struggles with poverty 
and misfortunes. I died as I had lived, alone! It was many 
years, before I outgrew the effects of earth life. I was morbidly 
sensitive, and in this Summer Land sought only for rest, retire- 
ment and education. Gradually my icy reserve gave way before 
the power of kindness. Absorbed in study, my life glided smooth- 
ly on, until I became acquainted with your mother. It was the 
recital of her experience that awakened my interest in the great 
question of love, and the duties and obligations growing out of it. 
After years of careful investigation and earnest thought, I arrived 
at the conclusions expressed in the communication given to you 
and your sister, before your marriage. My intimate acquaintance 
with your mother increased my interest in you. I frequently 
visited you, and tried to lift the terrible cloud from your life. 
You will remember our meeting on your first entrance to spirit 
life. I had hoped you would remain, and gradually outgrow the 
magnetic condition that enslaved you, but it was not to be; you 



*66 THE PHANTOM FORM. 

returned to earth, and I, saddened by the withdrawal of the heart, 
that I felt could beat in unison with my own, gave myself more 
entirely to humanitarian duties. In the long years that followed 
I never lost sight of my ideal, nor faith in the laws that would 
eventually give to my heart its own. When your mission on 
earth was finished and you re-entered spirit life, I found your 
heart apparently dead to human sympathy ; therefore I did not 
seek your presence. Now I am blessed with a knowledge of the 
fact, that the warmth and light of reciprocal affection is to crown 
my life with its glory." 

Gonzalo paused as if for reply. Receiving none, he continued 
to speak of his affection, and closed by saying: "I read my 
answer in your tender eyes and glowing cheeks ; this happiness 
compensates for years of wretchedness ! " 

" Oh, what a heavenly union, 

In bowers of delight, 
Where ministries of angels 

Inspire with holy light ; 
Two souls, one life, two hearts, one love, 

As sweet and pure as heaven above/' 

At this moment Silver Star approached and expressed her 
pleasure in being the first to offer congratulations, and then in- 
vited us to her home, where Eunice and Thalia awaited our 
return. 

A year had passed since that beautiful morning, when my 
whole life was transformed by the revelation of Gonzalo's love; 
a year since my mother's departure, and now a large circle of 
invited guests had resembled at the home of Silver Star to make 
their final arrangements for a grand tour, which was to end in a 
visit to my mother. I was happy in the prospects of beholding 
the lovely scenes Gonzalo had so often pictured. I shall not at- 



EXPERIENCES IN SPIRIT LIFE. 167 

tempt to describe our journey, nor the many new phases of ex- 
istence I witnessed ; each one presenting some thought, broaden- 
ing my views of spirit life. As we approached our destination, 
the sphere seemed bathed in a soft, yellow light, not unlike that 
occasionally seen on earth, lingering in the evening sky. 

A delegation came out to conduct us to the city, if city it could 
be called ! There were no great temples, no pallatial residences 
built of the most costly material, no crystal domes reflecting the 
mellow light that seemed to emanate from every object ; no broad 
paved avenues, no curiously designed vehicles, drawn by life-like, 
electric steeds, nor fairy barges, moving gracefully over electric 
waters. Beneath our feet was a soft, moss-like substance of the 
brightest and most beautiful green, unlike anything I had seen, 
extending as far as the eye could reach. Pavilions, formed of a 
translucent substance ; some glowing with opaline splendor, 
others of rich vermilion, garnet and emerald, artistically and 
systematically arranged, and surrounded by trees and flowers of 
the most sublimated material, and delicate designs. All had an 
unsubstantial, etherial appearance, and I almost expected to see 
them disappear as the gorgeous temples and towers of cloud 
land vanish from the sky. 

We moved through the golden atmosphere with great rapid- 
ity and ease. Several times I was startled by the sudden appear- 
ance of friends whom I supposed to be at a distance. Of this I 
said nothing, until I beheld the apparition of my father and in his 
well known voice he said: " Emily, why have you forsaken me?" 

I was so startled by this sudden appearance, that I immediately 
asked an explanation, and learned that the circumbiance was like 
a mirror, reflecting the form and features of those, whose thoughts 
dwelt intently upon any one in this sphere. Here also a spirit 



1 68 THE PHANTOM FORM. 



can hear the slightest whisper of love or hate, joy or sorrow ad- 
dressed to it. This would be a sad place for the oppressor, 
whose life had been a tissue of cruel wrongs. Such spirits never 
enter this sphere, " the punishment would be greater than they 
could bear," said our guide, and continued : 

" Here come to benefactors, the prayers and blessings of those 
they have snatched from dens of vice and crime, from the crush- 
ing power of want, and the brutal hand of oppression. It is 
here, that tears shed in sympathy for the sorrows of others, are 
transformed to pearls ; here, the bread cast upon the waters of 
charity, return. Every kind deed of love, reappears in a white 
blossom whose delicious aroma enfolds the pure spirit like a gar- 
ment. This is the heaven where moth and rust doth not corrupt 
nor thieves break through and steal. Your mother resides in 
that large, rose hued pavilion at our right." 

At this moment we were greeted with melodious music, which 
seemed to come from the air above us, and immediately the long 
colonnade was filled with spirits, hastening to welcome us. 

The cordial reception and genial atmosphere of my mother's 
home removed all constraint and added a new charm to social 
intercourse. When alone with mother, she expressed her grati- 
fication with my engagement to Gonzalo ; said she had long known 
of his attachment to me, and believed that the crown of happi- 
ness he had won, would brighten as time increased our knowledge 
of the rich treasures we possessed. She had planned our journey 
with a desire that our marriage should take place in her beauti- 
ful home. We joyfully complied, and the simple but beautiful 
marriage ceremony was performed by ourselves, in the presence 
of a large number of invited guests. 

After spending considerable time in viewing the realm we had 



EXPERIENCES IN SPIRIT LIFE. I 69 

been permitted to enter, we returned to the sphere we had left, 
and went at once to the elegant home of Gonzalo. 

Earthly language can give no conception of the happiness that 
filled my soul ! O sad, despairing soul ! O heart filled with ashes 
of a dead hope, look up ! for beyond the sorrows of earth, there 
is compensation for all your woes ! 

Soon after our marriage, I accompanied my companion on a 
mission of mercy, and learned to love the noble work to which 
he had dedicated his powers. For many years I have been labor- 
ing to better the condition of unfortunate spirits. At some future 
time, if desired, I may give some facts of which I have become 
possessed while acting as a missionary, and now in closing this 
history of my Experiences in Earth and Spirit Life, I would say 
to all, seek spiritual culture : crown life with love and charity ; 
then will you be prepared to appreciate the ever increasing beauty 
and glory of Spirit Life. 



NOV 10 1902 









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